A Meridian High School pep rally at Poplar Springs Elementary was about much more than just the game against Hattiesburg Friday night.

Third grader Treavor Pritchard didn't know why he was asked to come to the microphone. That is, not until someone pointed out his father in the audience.

Brandon Pritchard has been on active duty in Iraq and wasn't expected to come home till later.

"Actually I was supposed to be in Gulfport for a couple more weeks," said Brandon Pritchard. "And Treavor's birthday is Monday, so I took the opportunity and rented a car and drove up. I didn't know we were having a pep rally here today, so it's real exciting."

"I have a whole list," said Treavor when asked what he'd like to do first now that his dad is back home. "So if I can get that all the way down, I'll make a new one."

Treavor turns nine Monday. But this day will be hard to top.