Kountze Twins Graduate As Valedictorian and Salutatorian

 The top two students graduating from Kountze High School tonight have a lot in common.

 And they should. They are twin sisters.  The sisters have managed to remain on top even after losing their home and living in a hotel.

 "As long as we're with our family, that's all that matters," said Hannah Daniel.

 It's a bond 18 year old Heather and Hannah Daniel say 'they'll never break...' in fact they say since March their relationship with their family has gotten stronger.

 "I have a great family and no cause for complaint; there are a thousand people who have it much worse than I do, said Heather Daniel.

 They've been living with their parents at the Super Eight Motel in Kountze since a tornado destroyed their house in March.  There wasn't much to salvage and what they could is inside the hotel room.

 "When life gives you lemons, make lemonade you have to make the best of the worst situations," said Hannah.

 And that's what the twins have certainly done.  They're graduating tonight from Kountze High school as Valedictorian and Salutatorian of their graduating class.

 "There are a ton of kids who were smarter, we were really driven;" said Heather.

 Driven to study hard and accomplish their goals, even if they're living in a hotel room, sleeping on a pull out couch and sharing a bathroom with four people.

 "It hasn't been terrible, you begin to miss your home and the feeling of oh this is home, it isn't permanent and you begin to appreciate what you have; said Heather.

 An appreciation the Daniel sisters say has prepared them for college and especially the dorm life.

 Living in a hotel, they've learned what's the best and worst microwavable food.

 "It's been a rough ride, but with our faith, each other, and our friends; it's been a lot easier; said Hannah.

 A bond these sisters say can't be broken, even once they move out of the hotel and away from each other.

 They're planning to go to separate colleges.

 Heather has a full scholarship to Lamar for the next four years.  Hannah will be going to the University of Texas with a twenty thousand dollar scholarship.

 There is a checking account set up for the Daniel's family to help them with the funds to finish building their new home.

It's at Education First Credit Union, "the Daniel Family Fund for home."