Marine surprises sister at Upper Darby High School graduation

UPPER DARBY, Pa. -- A Delaware County high school graduate got much more than she expected at Friday's commencement ceremony.

A very special guest surprised her just before she accepted her diploma.

Upper Darby High School's graduation was running along as scheduled at the Tower Theater - The Class of 2014 poised to get their diplomas.

But then came an announcement that there would be a special presentation.

A stunned Jordan Noel was called up. She walked up the center aisle unsure of what was happening, and then she turned around to see her 21-year-old brother, Lance Corporal Andrew Noel, who has been stationed in Japan for 21 months.

He organized this to surprise his little sister on her graduation day.

Jordan tells us, "I felt like it wasn't real when I was watching him. It's been so long."

Jordan was overwhelmed. Andrew, a fellow Upper Darby High School graduate, took her by the hand and led her on the stage to present her with her diploma.

Offstage family members were waiting eagerly for a hug, including their mother, Dianne Reiner. She learned about the surprise a month ago and had to keep it a secret.

She says Andrew didn't come home on Christmas so he could be there for graduation.

Dianne says, "I'm really trying not to cry right now. I haven't seen him for 21 months either. SO, it's an ultimate surprise for everybody.

Andrew will we home for just under a month, and the family plans to make the most of their time together.

"It's Christmas in June, is all I can say. And it's just been a great day," Diane said.

Jordan says, "I was shocked. I didn't want to go up because I didn't known what was going on. I don't know. It's great to have him home."