HANCEVILLE — A year ago, Anna Hughes was laying in a Huntsville Hospital bed, her neck broken and her future uncertain.

The wreck that nearly killed her June 25, 2016 claimed her friend and fellow cheerleader, Whitney Cotton. The two were set to begin their senior year as Vinemont Eagles.

After the worst was initially feared — that Anna wouldn’t survive or would be paralyzed from the neck down — she began making steady progress at Huntsville Hospital’s neuro-intensive care unit. She was then transferred to UAB’s Spain Rehabilitation Center for further therapy and treatment.

On Sunday, Anna donned a bright red cap and gown and even sparking red nail polish, and while she is still confined to a wheelchair, she accepted her degree along with her classmates.

Just a few seats over sat a portrait of a smiling Whitney, alongside a cap, gown and a single red rose. She was never far away from fellow seniors thoughts during a ceremony that included a standing round of applause when her name was called.

“We all wish Whitney could be here,” said Anna Hughes following the ceremony. “I’m grateful to be here. I’m definitely proud of myself that I’ve made it to this day. The school and teachers did everything they could to support me and help me so I could be.”