TINLEY PARK, IL — Bannes Elementary Hosts Heartwarming Surprise Reunion

Bannes Elementary 1st grade teacher Julie Depcik couldn’t sleep Thursday night, and she wasn’t the only staffer who struggled.

All teachers and staff at the school were in on a big secret—a sweet surprise for three of their students, orchestrated down to the very footstep and moment.

After 300 days deployed and apart from his family, a Tinley Park dad has come home, just in time for Thanksgiving. Chris Lockhart, Chief Warrant Officer with the Army National Guard, arrived home in Tinley Park Thursday night, but his wife Eileen had schemed up something special with the school, and the children had a sleepover at their grandparents’ to keep it all a surprise.

Working with Principal Kelly Folliard, the two found a way to spring Lockhart on his children, during what is normally a tradition at the school. The first-graders—who had studied the origins of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade in the children’s book “Balloons Over Broadway”—would march in their own parade through the school with balloons they’d designed, and led by their teachers costumed as “floats.” Students in the school’s other grades line the hallway, taking it all in the morning before they dismiss for Thanksgiving break.

This year’s parade had a special guest: Lockhart. With his youngest son leading the parade, Lockhart waited until his class passed by, then fell in step. Along the route, he encountered his other children as they spectated—a surprise that stunned them each to tears. Each hello was its own scene out of a Hallmark movie, Lockhart’s children flinging themselves into his arms and standing on tip-toes to hug him tight. Each seemed in disbelief that he was actually, really there.

Everything went perfectly—and there was not a dry eye among the adults. Kirby District 140’s Folliard and team pulled it off. “It was huge, it’s very heartfelt,” Depcik said. “I could not sleep last night, I was so excited. I’m just thankful everything went well.” And of course it did—they’d thought of everything. The planning was meticulous and mindful of each Lockhart child—first-grader Cormac, third-grader Ronan and fourth-grader Norah—having their own chance to embrace dad. “We thought we would give each one of the kids their own moment with their dad,” Folliard said.

Within two days, they’d mapped it out—where the Lockhart children would stand as Chris made his way along the route, and how they’d catch their first glimpse of him. Even making sure they had cameras in place to capture the moments, and borrowing extra tripods from other schools to make that happen. “It was definitely a team effort,” Folliard said. “The entire Bannes staff was in on it, here for it.”

“We hoped that it would turn out just the way it did. It was awesome. It was a humbling experience to be able to be a part of something so special for those kids. And they deserve it.” Stationed in Kuwait and traveling to Egypt, Israel and other locations during his deployment, consistent communication at times proved challenging, though FaceTime calls were made at every opportunity. Letters and pictures helped bridge the gap, too.

Still, it was the longest stretch he’d been away from them, Lockhart said. “Very difficult,” he said. “I’ve gone to a few longer trainings—five, six months—this is the longest I’ve been away. And them being older was tough. The previous ones, they were all very young.” Eileen was touched to see her children reunited with their dad, and also thrilled they were able to pull off the surprise. “I’m glad we were actually able to surprise them,” she said. “It was good to see their faces. Happy tears.”

Still seeming a bit in shock he was in front of them, the kids’ checklist of things to do with him seemed short, at first, but a couple of things popped into the boys’ minds, specifically. Ronan can’t wait to play football with him. “Watch ‘Star Wars!'” Cormac said, of what he’d like to do. “And we have to watch the new Avengers movie,” Ronan stressed. “I can do both of those,” Chris said, nodding and laughing. He’s also eager to get a taste of home—Portillo’s, Pop’s, Lou Malnati’s, specifically.

“I mean I’d be fine with even White Castle at this point,” he joked. He’s ready to soak up all the family time. “… Hanging out on the couch watching football, eating food,” he said. “I’m just going to annoy them every day. … Wake up at 5 a.m. … ” “… yeah, you say that, then you stay in bed until 11,” Norah teased. Having learned to juggle the demands of youth sports schedules in addition to running a household, Eileen is grateful to have Chris home. “Just doing stuff with the family,” she said, of what she’s looking forward to. “Talking to him at night after the kids go to bed. The loneliness after they go to bed is very difficult.” She’s also ready for a break from cooking, she laughed.

Dad’s best dish? “Cheeseburgers!” the kids yelled. (Oh, and shrimp tacos.) The staff has set the bar pretty high for themselves for future Bannes Day parades, Depcik joked. “I don’t know how we’re going to make it bigger next year,” she said. “I don’t.” “They had no idea,” she said, of the Lockhart kids. “It was priceless.”

Effect on Me:

The heartwarming reunion story of the Lockhart family at Bannes Elementary serves as a reminder of the importance of family bonds and the joy of reuniting with loved ones. It highlights the sacrifices made by military families and the happiness that comes with being together again.

Effect on the World:

This story showcases the dedication and efforts of a community coming together to create a special moment for a military family. It emphasizes the impact of support and kindness in making a difference in someone’s life, spreading positivity and love in the world.

Conclusion:

The surprise reunion at Bannes Elementary not only touched the hearts of those involved but also serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration for others. It demonstrates the power of love, unity, and the importance of cherishing family moments, making the world a brighter place one reunion at a time.