Nearly eight months to the day Emily Brong was seriously injured in a car crash, she valiantly returned home to Palmerton, and was greeted with a hero's welcome.

Fellow high school classmates lined up along the 200 block of Delaware Avenue on Thursday to greet Emily, a junior at Palmerton Area High School, upon her arrival into town.Several firetrucks accompanied Emily, 16, as she was driven home by her mother, Beth Brong.Emily had been hospitalized and in Good Shepherd Rehabilitation ever since she was seriously injured in a car crash on Jan. 19 in Franklin Township.She was one of four passengers in a car driven by fellow high school student Liz Heffley, whose car was hit by another teen driver whose car slid on ice.Heffley's car was pushed off into another car, which is what caused extensive injuries to Emily, who was sitting in the front passenger seat when the crash occurred.As she returned to her home on Columbia Avenue, Emily was welcomed by family and friends who showered her with attention.Her mother was clearly moved by the level of encouragement Emily received upon her return home."I am so moved and amazed by all the support within the community of Palmerton, as well surrounding towns," Beth said."We would like to thank our family, our friends, the Palmerton Area School District, local businesses and churches, and the students at Palmerton Area School District sports organizations."Beth also thanked all those who organized and held fundraisers to assist Emily, as well as to all those who attended events and supported Emily, during the family's time of need."Emily's homecoming would have never happened without all the support," she said."The fundraisers made it possible for a wheelchair ramp to be built, a concrete sidewalk and parking pad, and also helped to get a wheelchair minivan."Several of Emily's friends shared their thoughts on their fellow classmate.Senior Liz Heffley said she was extremely happy to see her friend back home."Now we can hang out as friends together," Liz said. "Just a big thank you to everyone; it's amazing how much support she has."Junior Tori Haydt echoed those sentiments."I'm really happy she's home," Tori said. "I could not wait to see the smile on her face, and can't wait for more sleepovers."Senior Brooke Hillegass took it a step further."Her recovery has been really amazing," Brooke said. "Seeing her be able to come home and hang out with us ..."Senior Kaitlyn Muffley said she hopes to be able to make more memories with Emily."Her being home just makes me glad," Kaitlyn said. "And I'm glad to see the smile on her face again."Senior Megan Ahner said Emily's return marked a joyous occasion."We're all more than happy to see Emily home," Megan said. "Words can't describe our happiness."Beth said Emily continues to make gains.Emily will attend outpatient rehab at Good Shepherd Pediatrics three times a week.In a week, Emily will return to high school on a part-time basis. She was tutored all throughout the summer in rehab, Beth said."Again I cannot thank everyone enough," Beth said. "As Emily smiles, remember, 'Smile, and the world smiles with you.'" Photo gallery:

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