BAKERSIFELD, Calif. — The coronavirus pandemic impact is reaching far and wide, and one of the biggest effects was the prospect that hundreds of local high school seniors might not get the chance to celebrate their graduations this year.

But thanks to one event, those seniors were given some hope and a little joy for the future.

The Kern High School District and Josten's partnered for a special distribution of cap and gowns for East Bakersfield High students on Tuesday.

The owner of Josten's John Hatten said he hopes this will help local seniors celebrate in some way the things that they've lost. "Graduation is one thing that we really want to make sure that we don't take away from these students," Hatten said.

The drive-thru only event was held at Josten's in Downtown Bakersfield.