Family That Lost Everything in California Wildfire Gets Disney Hawaii Vacation
Bill and Shaun Roderick got a dream trip to Hawaii.
— -- When the Valley Fire swept through Lake County, California, it left devastation in its wake.
Bill and Shaun Roderick from Middletown lost everything in the wildfire that was one of California’s biggest, but even though people in the community were devastated, they were also tremendously touched by the Rodericks' selflessness.
The high school sweethearts –- Bill is the principal at Middletown High School and his wife is a teacher and adviser there -– had only the clothes on their backs but they took charge, helping the 90 students and many school staffers who lost their homes with financial aid, clothing donations and support.
The Rodericks, who are both 42, even turned down donations for themselves, choosing instead to give them to the students.
"They just only cared about the school. They put everything else on hold," Marcella Nikolov, a parent, said.
Student Audrey Showen described the Rodericks as "the wheels of the school."
The Rodericks and their daughters Tori and Taelor are still living in an RV as their home is being rebuilt. The fire destroyed more than 175 structures and forced thousands of residents to evacuate the area.
Authorities have made an arrest in connection with this and several other fires in the area in the past year. The blazes are believed to be cases of arson, authorities have said.
Meanwhile, it's not just the community that's been inspired by the Rodericks' example.
"It makes me proud of them ... my mom, a bunch of the kids that lost their house would go to her and talk to her," Taelor said of her parents.
"GMA" was so moved by the Rodericks' commitment to their students and school that it surprised them with a vacation to Aulani, a Disney resort and spa on Oahu, Hawaii.
There, the family enjoyed a traditional welcome, along with other highlights included the winding lazy river and a visit to the Rainbow Reef. They sailed on the ocean, dined on local specialties and took lots of selfies to cherish.
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