Rodeo Queen finds crown in Valley Fire ashes

MIDDLETOWN, Calif. (KTVU) – Gracie Pachie, a senior at Middletown High School, is among the students who lost their homes to the Valley Fire.
The fire ripped through her hometown and nearby communities burning a total of 76,067 acres and 1,280 homes.
Gracie, who holds the title of Miss California High School Rodeo, had lived in the home her entire life. Her dad had built it shortly after her parents were married.
She was surprised to find her crown as she sifted through the ashes.
“I was very happy that I found it because that is about the only thing that I personally was able to find,” said Gracie.
Gracie decided to wear the crown to the first football game back at Middletown because she felt it was “the right thing to do.”
She says there is a lot of support in the community. “Everyone has really been coming together in the
Right now Gracie and her parents are living at her grandparents’ house, which they were able to save from the fire.
"In a way everyone has been affected and if they haven't been affected, then they know someone who has, and that is really good to see,” said Gracie.
Meanwhile, the Middletown homecoming dance was postponed. Many students lost their dresses in the fire. Click here to see how a Bay Area woman is helping out.