Dad Builds Huge Stage On Driveway So Daughter Doesn't Miss Out On Graduation

Many US student have been given the upsetting news that their graduation ceremonies have been cancelled, but one kind-hearted dad made sure that his daughter wouldn't miss out by setting up this incredible stage in his driveway so she still got to enjoy her special day.

Gabrielle Pierce spent four years working hard at Xavier University in Louisiana only to be left devastated when the university announced that, due to the coronavirus, students wouldn't get the chance to walk across the stage and pick up their diplomas.

Fox13

Describing how it felt when she heard that the ceremony was cancelled, Gabrielle told Fox13: "Initially I was upset, I was crying. It took me like a week to stop crying. I really wanted to walk, I felt like I needed to walk."

But dad Torrence Burson wasn't about to let his daughter be left this upset, so he set about building a whopping stage in the driveway of the house to ensure Gabrielle had her moment to shine. How cute is that?

Torrence told the news outlet: "I went to bed and woke up in the middle of the night and said, 'That's it. I'm just going to be the graduation here.'"

So that's what he did. At first, Torrence said his wife thought the idea was 'crazy' and even Gabrielle had her doubts about whether he could pull it off or not, but the proud dad surpassed all their expectations.

Fox13

When the day arrived, not only did Gabrielle have a full stage, there were also presenters and a cap and gown for Gabrielle, while a loudspeaker blasted out the Graduation March.

The neighbours also got involved, lining the street to celebrate, while Gabrielle said even passers-by shouted their congratulations.

Torrence added: "We love our daughter this much. Regardless of the dollar figure, what it took to pull this off. If I had to do this over again, I'd probably do it even bigger." Ahh, what a sweetheart.

A delighted Gabrielle added: "It was just amazing. Better than the actual graduation, because it was more personal."

She went on to say plans to join the Air National Guard before going back into education to become an epidomologist.

Congratulations Gabrielle!

Topics: Feels, US News

Claire Reid

Claire is a journalist at LADbible who, after dossing around for a few years, went to Liverpool John Moores University. She graduated with a degree in Journalism and a whole load of debt. When not writing words in exchange for money she is usually at home watching serial killer documentaries surrounded by cats. You can contact Claire at [email protected]

@ClaireReid19