Elementary School Welcomes Home Sailor with Big Surprise

COBB COUNTY, Ga. - A special surprise took place on Wednesday in honor of a Cobb County sailor's homecoming.

United States Navy Petty Officer Seth Pearce returned home on Tuesday after spending eight months on a submarine all over the world.  Pearce was deployed just two weeks after marrying his wife, Anne. 

Anne Pearce works as a teacher at Lewis Elementary School in Kennesaw and her husband had plans of visiting the school following his return. 

Pearce told her husband that one of her students wanted to meet him.  Little did he know, his wife was luring him to the school so that the students and staff could surprise Pearce.

"I hope that they appreciate the sacrifice that Seth has made being away from his wife and his family and I just hope that they will remember this day forever," said Principal Kristi Kee, who planned the welcome. 

Students greeted Petty Officer Pearce outside the school, waving U.S. flags while cheering for him.  They also had a special “welcome home” banner on display.

"It was quite a sight seeing all those kids here and you know, it's just been surreal," said Pearce.  "Just getting back just feels so good."

Anne Pearce said was truthful with her husband.  During their visit to the school, she introduced him to Caleb, a fourth grade student who wants to be in the Navy when he grows up.

Caleb described the experience as "really, really amazing and awesome," and said the best part of the day was "giving him a high five."

From all of us at FOX 5 News, welcome home U.S. Navy Petty Officer Seth Pearce!