BRENTWOOD, Tenn. – Graduation had an extra special attendee in the audience Saturday at West Pine High School.
Serving U.S. Marine Chuck Campbell took an unplanned leave from the military base where he is currently stationed and showed up to surprise his senior son, Rich Campbell.
Stationed Marines are typically not allotted time off base except during days planned by their superiors, but Campbell made it known how important this was to him, and even volunteered to work his next three off days if allowed to go.
Unfortunately for the Campbells, upon arrival at the school, it was explained to Mr. Campbell that his son would not be graduating, as he had been held back a year for his poor academic performance.
Not to be discouraged, Campbell decided to go through with the surprise appearance anyway, having the arrival go on just with the amendment that it happens during a different student’s announcement.
Campbell’s attendance was announced as completely unrelated senior Sydney Bartley received her diploma on stage, to little fanfare and muffled confusion. As Mr. Campbell approached Sydney, smiling with his arms wide, she grabbed her diploma and hurried off stage back to her seat, leaving only Mr. Campbell on stage for a full fifteen seconds.
When asked about it after the ceremony, Sydney said, “It was kind of weird. Rich’s dad came out and no one really clapped or anything. I’m pretty sure he was crying a little. I think he’s in the Navy or something.”
