Graduation Day A Special One For Victim Of Hit & Run

DENVER (CBS4) - A young woman who has become an inspiration to all of her fellow high school students has a diploma after battling back from a hit and run that nearly killed her.

After a long and painful rehabilitation, Deyondrah Bridgeman was able to walk with the graduating class of East High School on Thursday evening. Dee also spoke to the crowd about how long she has come with some emotional comments.

"I truly thought I would never leave the hospital but look at me now," she said during the ceremony at Magness Arena on the University of Denver campus.

RELATED: Teenage Girl Nearly Killed In Hit & Run Now Recovering

"Thank you East High School. You have helped me believe in myself again," she said.

There weren't many dry eyes after her speech, and those in the crowd included some members of the physical therapy team that has been helping Bridgeman since her accident in February 2013.

"I never give up, even though I sometimes need a hand," she said.

Bridgeman says she would like to continue her education and is interested in becoming a therapist to help teens going through tough times.