Plane passengers give mid-air celebration to 5-year-old who missed graduation

Xavier even received high fives from fellow passengers.

Plane passengers give mid-air celebration to 5-year-old who missed graduation
Courtesy Janeiry Rivas
June 21, 2024, 4:48 PM

A five-year-old who had to miss his kindergarten graduation received a surprise ceremony during a flight from Orlando, Florida, to San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Xavier, in a red cap and gown, walked down the plane aisle after a flight attendant introduced him.

"He is missing his graduation, his kindergarten graduation today. And because he chose to fly Frontier instead, we are giving him his graduation ceremony on this flight," the attendant said over the public address system.

PHOTO: Although 5-year-old Xavier had to miss his kindergarten graduation, passengers on a Frontier flight were able to give him a mid-air celebration.
Although 5-year-old Xavier had to miss his kindergarten graduation, passengers on a Frontier flight were able to give him a mid-air celebration.
Courtesy Janeiry Rivas

"Pomp and Circumstance" was played over the PA system and as he came down the aisle and broke out into a big grin, fellow passengers applauded him and a few even gave him high fives.

"He was just beyond excited, like his face lit up," Xavier's mom, Janeiry Rivas, told "Good Morning America." "He was super super excited, getting high fives from people and getting cheered on."

PHOTO: Xavier posed with his cap and gown for a photo with Frontier pilots.
Xavier posed with his cap and gown for a photo with Frontier pilots.
Courtesy of Janeiry Rivas
PHOTO: Frontier celebrated Xavier with a few gifts on the occasion of his kindergarten graduation.
Frontier celebrated Xavier with a few gifts on the occasion of his kindergarten graduation.
Courtesy of Janeiry Rivas
PHOTO: Xavier traveled with his mom from Florida to Puerto Rico, where his family is from.
Xavier traveled with his mom from Florida to Puerto Rico, where his family is from.
Courtesy of Janeiry Rivas

A video of the celebration was shared on TikTok and has gone viral, picking up over 2 million views and over 3,000 comments since May 15.

"It's so cute when she said 'kindergarten graduation' everyone perked up. Like yes let's hype this little kid up lol," wrote one commenter.

"Who else can say [their] graduation took place 40K feet up in the air!?! Thats unforgettable for sure!!! Way to go buddy 🥳🥳🥳💖," another added.

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