By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support great journalism.
Airman surprises family, students for Christmas
airman surprise pic1
Jody Jorge embraces her daughter Hannah Pointon, who serves in the United States Air Force. Pointon learned three weeks ago that she was going to make it home for Christmas, but kept it a secret from her parents until a special assembly at her mom's work, Denair Elementary School, on Friday. - photo by ALYSSON AREDAS / The Journal

For many people, Christmas lists usually hold wishes for new iPhones, clothes and toys. However, for Jody Jorge, her only wish was to see her daughter Hannah Pointon for the holidays.

Jorge, who is an administrative assistant to Denair Unified School District Superintendent Aaron Rosander, was not expecting to see Pointon, a former DUSD student who is currently serving in the United States Air Force, after she was told that she would not be able to leave her base in San Antonio in time for Christmas.  

Also missing Pointon during the holidays was Patti Morrissey’s fourth grade class, which “adopted” Pointon by sending her letters and care packages during basic training. Just recently, the students sent Christmas cards to Pointon and her fellow airmen, who responded with an appreciative email.

Although heartbroken, Jorge and Morrissey’s fourth graders had dismally accepted the fact that they would not see Pointon until April.

However, in a secret shared by seemingly everyone except Jorge, husband Roger Jorge, and Morrissey’s fourth graders, Pointon arranged to surprise her family and adopted classmates at a special Christmas assembly on Friday.

During the assembly, Morrissey showed a video that Pointon recorded for her parents and then conducted a student performance of “I’ll Be Home for Christmas,” which left Jody Jorge in tears.

“Christmas is such a magical time, and sometimes our deepest wishes and dreams do come true,” said Morrissey right before she unveiled Pointon. “Welcome home Hannah.”

Nearly instantaneously, Jody Jorge jumped up from her chair to embrace her daughter, who entered from the back of the auditorium.

“I’m just shocked and completely surprised,” said Jody Jorge. “I didn’t expect her to be here. We were just talking on the phone last night and I had no idea.”

Pointon, who knew of the surprise for three weeks, commented that it was hard to lie to her mom on the phone about her Christmas plans, especially since her mother was so upset that she was not going to be home.

“I can’t put it into words. It’s just so nice to be home,” said Pointon.