It's been a year full of pain, sorrow and struggle for Kern Valley High School graduating senior Lexie Stevens.
Nearly a year after the deadly Erskine fire, tonight two survivors are set to receive their high school diplomas. She is one of them.
Stevens says that despite the traumatic experience, she made graduating high school a priority. Tonight, she is excited to be celebrating a huge accomplishment.
"A lot of families lost everything. I can say I did lose everything. Including a car of mine, personal belongings, a little cat that we had," said Stevens.
Her family lost their home in the Erskine fire and had to relocate to Southern California but she stayed behind.
"I knew I would graduate no matter what I had to do to get here," said Stevens.
Living with her grandmother, focusing on her studies while her family has had to rebuild elsewhere hasn't been easy.
“In the beginning it was a little difficult but as I progressed through the school year, I just didn't let it bother me and I knew I needed to finish my last year as strong as possible," said Stevens.
She says she is thankful for the support she's received from the Kern Valley High faculty and staff.
After graduation she plans to attend Bakersfield College, the next step towards fulfilling her dream of becoming a dental hygienist.
