ALLENTOWN, Pa. — Until recently, Jerry Villanueva was in Okinawa on a 9-month deployment.

The Marine corporal returned home the morning of Thursday, May 29, intent on seeing little sister Elianny Pillier walk the PPL Center stage at Lehigh Career & Technical Institute’s Senior Recognition Night.

But Jerry didn’t tell her he’d be at the Class of 2025 celebration. No one did. Their mother, Elizabeth Villanueva, and other family members kept his return a secret with the hope of surprising Elianny during the ceremony. 

Elizabeth reached out to Elianny’s instructor, Cyndee Barkley, who teaches Marketing & Entrepreneurship at LCTI. Mrs. Barkley worked with administrators and other school staff to make the surprise happen.

The 18-year-old Louis E. Dieruff High School student had no idea her big brother was back from Japan until he stepped forward on the arena stage in full dress uniform. It was a delightful moment for the Senior Recognition Night crowd, which erupted in applause as a shocked Elianny embraced Jerry and burst into tears.

Congratulations, Elianny, and welcome home, Jerry! This is how we serve. #weserve