military dad spelling beeSpelling bees are always dramatic (d-r-a-m-a-t-i-c, dramatic) but this particular one at a Boca Raton, Florida elementary school took the excitement to a whole new level. Skylar Johnson, an adorable 9-year-old girl, was asked if she could spell "sergeant." That's a toughie, but she nailed it like a true pro. Then the moderator asks Sky if she knows any sergeants, and she replies that yes she does, her dad is one.

Then, out from behind the curtain, her military dad dressed in a National Guard uniform emerges and surprises his sweet daughter. They hug, the crowd cheers, and we tear up at our desks.

Staff Sergeant Therron Johnson is only home for nine days, but I'm sure he and Skylar will make the most of his short visit home -- they haven't seen each other since December 2010.

The video is full of emotion and it's hard not to get weepy when you watch -- the display of intimacy and pure joy really tugs at the heartstrings. I hope Sky and her dad have a wonderful week together, and may her dad be home safely and seated in the audience for her next spelling bee.

WATCH the military dad surprise his daughter at the spelling bee:

 

What do you think of this reunion?

 

Photo via cnn.com