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'A Blessing In Disguise': Kindergartener Misses Graduation, Gets Mid-flight Celebration Instead

June 7, 2024

Today's good news story comes from Orlando, Florida.

A six-year-old boy from Orlando, Xavier Joel, received a surprise graduation celebration mid-flight, thanks to a compassionate Frontier Airlines crew.

Xavier had to miss his kindergarten graduation ceremony to attend his cousin's wedding in Puerto Rico, where his mother, Janeiry Rivas, was the maid of honor.

"When they announced that the graduation was actually going to be the same day of the wedding, my heart broke into a million pieces," Janeiry Rivas shared with FOX News. "I'm a very involved mom. I'm a single mom, and I'm the one that's always there for all his activities."

Determined to make the best of the situation, Rivas packed Xavier's cap and gown, hoping to create a special memory for him despite the circumstances. While at the airport, Rivas had the idea for Xavier to take pictures with the pilots of their flight to Puerto Rico.

The idea quickly gained traction among the flight crew, leading to a flight attendant named Pamela suggesting an onboard graduation ceremony for Xavier.

Thirty minutes before landing, Xavier donned his cap and gown and made his way to the front of the plane. The passengers applauded and cheered as his name was announced over the intercom, and "Pomp and Circumstance" played in the background.

@alldayloveme Kindergarten graduation on Frontier Airlines! Lets all congratulate him! #kindergarten #graduation #frontierairlines #fypage #flightattendant ♬ original sound - Laci Alvarez

"I was feeling horrible he missed his graduation, but it ended up being a blessing in disguise for him," Rivas said. "This act of kindness is something that was so unexpected."