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Watch VideoHeartwarming surprise
Story By: Nicole Vandeputte
Source: KOAA
Here's a heartwarming story about a young woman who came all the way from Indiana with the dream of entering the Air Force Academy. On Friday, she got two big surprises.
Allison Swaney, 19, is just one of many prep school students gathered in an auditorium at the Air Force Academy. None of them know why they're there. They've worked hard at prep school all year in hopes of becoming the next class of Air Force Cadets.
Outside the auditorium, is Sgt. First Class Dave Swaney. He's Allison's father. He says, "I think she's going to be shocked. It will be interesting to see. I don't know whether she's going to faint or cry."
He is about to surprise his daughter. He's been stationed in Iraq, and took leave to come to her prep school graduation. He says, "We're very close. We talk daily on the internet, and we try to talk on the phone. I've been a big part of her life. especially military wise."
For the last week, Allison's mom Julie has been telling her that her father is working in places with no communication. It was her way of explaining why her daughter couldn't talk to him.
While Allison waits in the auditorium, her parents hide backstage. Allison is called to the front. She stands with her back to the stage. Then her father walks out, but she has no idea he is just inches behind her. Then she's ordered to turn around.
Allison sees her father, and begins to cry. She rushes into his arms. He whispers how proud he is of her. The crowd erupts in cheers. She sits back down with her father and mother at her side.
Moments later, it is the surprise for everyone. Every student called into that room has been accepted as the newest class of Air Force cadets. There's another eruption of cheers. Allison says, "It means a lot to me, because for me to graduate from prep school is a big deal. I struggled being away from home for the first time. It was a really big deal for him to be out here with me."
The prep school graduation is on Tuesday. Both of Allison's parents will be there.
