LITHIA, Fla. — A Newsome High School student received an emotional surprise when her sister made the trip to see her graduation ceremony on Wednesday.
Faith Brown hadn't seen her sister, Abbigail, in over a year, Hillsborough County Public Schools said in a Facebook post. Abbigail is currently serving in the U.S. Navy in Virginia.
But, in a tearjerking video from the school district, excited Newsome staff called Faith over to share the surprise.
"We have a special surprise for you!" a staff member said before Abbigail emerged, clad in her Navy uniform.
The two sisters embraced as staff and onlookers applauded. Faith choked back tears of joy, elated to see her sister after so much time.
"I thought you weren't going to make it!" Faith said, holding back tears as she hugged her sister. "I cannot believe this right now!"
In the video, Faith shared just how much Abbigail being at her graduation meant to her.
"This is a big day and having her be able to experience it with me was just amazing," Faith said. "So, I'm glad she was able to be here."
Abbigail added how proud she was of Faith for taking a new step in her life.
"I didn't even know if I was going to be here for a little bit," Abbigail said in the video. "I get to see her take that next step in life, a step that I chose not to take. I decided that the military [is] more my speed... So, for me, that's huge."
Watch the full heartwarming video below: