To view our videos, you need to
enable JavaScript. Learn how.
install Adobe Flash 9 or above. Install now.

Then come back here and refresh the page.

VESTAL, N.Y. -- Vestal High School had some fun in the sun to help a former student.

Students and faculty spent their lunch hour in the school's courtyard, enjoying a barbecue and music. Donations were also collected to benefit Ariel Hendricks, a 2009 Vestal graduate who was hit by a drunk driver last summer. Hendricks suffered a shattered jaw and has undergone several surgeries, leaving a number of medical bills.

Even though Hendricks graduated before the majority of the current students got to Vestal High, they feel a connection having gone to the same school.

"Even though a lot of people don't know her since there's an age difference, a lot of people have heard of her, so I think it just shows how things can happen, it's not just random people, it's people that you know and you're connected with," senior Katie Kelly said.

Hendricks continues to recover from her accident, but is scheduled to have more surgeries.