Surprise family reunion in Saucier

It was all smiles and happy tears at Saucier Elementary today as one little girl got a surprise she’ll never forget.

It’s a moment Jaliyah Stark will remember for a long time. Jaliyah’s father, William Stark, is a U.S Navy Seabee. He just returned home following a six-month deployment to Guam. Jaliyah’s kindergarten class was learning about the different branches of the military and making paper sailors when her father brightened her day.

While Stark was able to communicate with Jaliyah online during the deployment, nothing compares to being able to hold your child. “I didn’t expect all this, but this definitely makes up for it, especially to see the smile on her face and just to hear her say she missed me.”

The classroom reunion proved to be an emotional one for both father and daughter. “It definitely got me choked up a little bit, especially not seeing her in person for so long. It’s just one of those things. You’ve got to take it all in, just enjoy the moment.”

Stark is set to be home for the next 12 months. He plans to spend as much time as he can with his daughter. “I mean, before you know it, you turn around and you’re going out the door again. You’ve just got to get all the quality time you can.”

For now, there’s just one thing Jaliyah wants to do with her father. “Play with him!”