Third-grader Nathan Bautista wondered what was going on when he saw reporters and TV cameras at McCarty Elementary School in Aurora Friday.
Little did he know the commotion was centered around a surprise for him.
Alejandro Bautista, an 11-year veteran with the Air Force who is a staff sergeant currently stationed in South Korea, was deployed nearly 10 months ago and hasn’t seen his 9-year-old son until Friday when he entered the school’s gymnasium during a special service project activity.
Nathan, who was enjoying a group hug with his mother Tanya and younger brother Benjamin, 4, said he knew something was up but didn’t know it was about him.
“I saw someone in a uniform, but I thought I was someone else, not my dad,” Nathan said. “I’m proud of my dad and I might be in the Air Force someday too.”
Nathan’s teacher Jen Maginity said the entire third grade was invited to an assembly in the gym for a language arts activity where students learned about how to make a difference.
“We do service projects all day long here at the school including stuffing stockings for the homeless shelters, making Christmas cards for veterans, and beds for pets at animal shelters,” Maginity said. “When we heard about Nathan’s dad making a surprise visit, we were able to create a program using him as the final presentation.”
Local officials on hand included Aurora Mayor Richard Irvin as well as Indian Prairie District 204 Superintendent Karen Sullivan, who said Friday’s reunion “was probably the coolest thing that could happen.”
“I was hoping there was time in my schedule to be here, and this is a great feel-good story that everyone needs during the holidays,” she said.
Irvin spoke about the upcoming surprise before meeting the family and said the moment would be “a great Christmas present for a child.”
“I can’t wait to see the look on Nathan’s face,” Irvin said. “This is the definition of Christmas joy and something none of us has seen for a long time.”
Maginity, currently in her second year, was likewise excited to witness such an exciting event so early in her career.
“Nathan thought he wasn’t going to see his father until next April, and now he’ll get to be home with his dad through the holidays until sometime in the middle of January,” Maginity said. “Nathan was our ‘Star of the Week’ one time and he celebrated his birthday in October without his dad being here, so this is really special.”
Principal Kevin Schnable credited the third-grade team of teachers for pulling off the event.
“This was all teacher-driven and it’s humbling to be a part of such a special reunion of family members,” Schnable said. “This teaches respect for our country and for those who have made the courageous commitment to protect it.”
Alejandro Bautista said he wasn’t sure if his older son understands the danger and importance of where he is currently stationed at Osan Air Base but that he was ecstatic to see his family other than through technology.
“Nathaniel does watch a lot of TV, so he may understand some of this, but it’s so wonderful to see him with birthdays and other things I’ve missed,” he said.
Nathan said he was looking forward to being with his dad and family the next few weeks but he also had an assignment of his own.
“I’m going to have to go Christmas shopping now with my mom,” he said. “I have to get my dad a present.”
David Sharos is a freelance reporter for The Beacon-News.
