WATCH: Marine surprises teacher mom for emotional reunion in front of third-grade class

NEW PORT RICHEY, Fla. — A third-grade class got a huge surprise last week that moved some students and their teacher to tears.

Paula Riggs, who was teaching her class at Schrader Elementary School in New Port Richey, Florida, had no idea that her son, Marine Sgt. Paul Riggs, was home from overseas. He had spent the past two years in Okinawa, Japan.

When he suddenly showed up at her door, she immediately gasped and burst into tears.

In a video of the heartwarming moment, you can hear her students start to chatter amongst themselves, explaining to each other what was going on.

Toward the end of the video, students run across the room to comfort their classmate, Jordan, who started crying at the surprise reunion.

Meanwhile, Paula Riggs hugs her son, telling him, “I love you!”

Cox Media Group