A special moment Friday night at the West Boca High school final home football game gave one senior a huge surprise.
It was senior night, which is always emotional for students on the field and the sidelines.
But, it was made even more special for cheerleader Jade Taylor, who got to see her Marine father for the first time in a month.
Gunnery Sergeant Lonel Springs had been at training in South Carolina.
Early Friday morning, he hit the road to make it back to Boca in time for the game. And most importantly, to surprise his daughter.
Principal Craig Sommer was one of only a few people in on the surprise.
“We found out today that dad was going to come visit Jade, his daughter,” Sommer said.
Springs said it was a tough secret to keep, but worth the wait.
An announcer called Jade onto the field, with her having no idea what was happening. Sommer snuck her father in on a golf cart. Jade realized what was happening, ran to her father and jumped into his arms, with applause from the crowd.
“I was so excited to see it and it exceeded my expectations,” Sommer said.
Springs has sacrificed years of missing little moments, and Jade gets it. But, his homecomings never lose meaning. Springs said he couldn't miss this.
“It’s always just as exciting because when he leaves it’s like something is missing so when he comes home it’s like that piece is back again,” Jade said. “I was like wow he came, he made it happen. He always finds a way.”
“She’s really shaking. I’m glad I was able to surprise you,” Springs said.
Jade wants to go to college at Texas A&M. She also has military aspirations after college and wants to join the Navy.
