A Stony Point girl who recently underwent heart transplant surgery received a heartwarming welcome when she returned to school Wednesday.

Lauren Shields, 9, had been out of school since January and in March underwent a successful heart transplant necessitated by a virus she contracted.

"This is such a great moment for her, to be able to come in and see everybody again," says Lauren's mother. "All the people that have been wishing her well all these months, now she can say thank you right to them."