A crash two years ago left a local high school student paralyzed. Now she's finishing her high school career on high note, dancing with the dance team.

As the Chi Hi Dance Team did last minute run throughs of their routine before Tuesday night's game, one member was trying to enjoy every last move as the season was wrapping up.

“It's going to be so wired. Every day you come to school have a normal school day then practice and perform but it's a daily routine. Not going to dance, not seeing the girls, it's going to be sad,” says Chippewa Falls High School Senior and Dance Team Co-Captain Carlea Jo Lauer.

Lauer was paralyzed during a car crash in February 2010. The car she was riding in crashed into a semi-trailer. The State Patrol says it was illegally parked on a curve during a snow storm. While the crash put her in a wheel chair her injuries haven't stopped her from getting back on the dance floor.

"When I first started dancing again I was really nervous about the way people would take it or the way they would look at me. After our first competition the crowd cheered us on more and it was just a really good feeling," says Lauer.

"One thing she doesn't realize is that she's a hero and she's a hero to us and to the team and I think it's important she knows that because whether she wants to be an inspiration for other people or not she is an inspiration for other people," says the dance team’s coach Brenda Fenner.

Carlea Jo says she has a great support group with her family and friends. She says she's faced challenges but has always found a way to overcome them.

“I would just say never let physical circumstances keep you from doing something you love," says Lauer.

Dancing was one of the things that helped her.

“As soon as I got on the floor and was performing everything felt right. It was natural, it was just where I was supposed to be,” says Lauer.

Tuesday night was one of the last performances this dance team will have together.

"It's sad the team will be different that's for sure,” says Junior Laurel Fasching, who is the other co-captain.

"It's going to be very different not having her on the team next year. I think we will have a void next year. The girls already talk about how they'll miss her and how there will be a void," says Fenner.

"They've seen me at my best and seen me close to my worst and I am just thankful for each and every one of them,” says Lauer.

Carlea Jo says next year she's headed to UW-Stout to study social work. She says she'll miss her team because she says they always put her in a good mood especially if she was down.