Mrs. Barbara Austin, seated, was presented a COM Foundation chair as the 2005 Donor of the Year. Presenting the chair is Monica O'Neal, left, Foundation executive director. Also present is Mrs. Austin's daughter, Barbara Austin Hefley.

COM Foundation Honors 
Donors of the Year

The College of the Mainland Foundation has named Barbara M. Austin of La Marque as its 2005 Donor of the Year. Mrs. Austin was honored at the annual Donor Luncheon held recently at COM.

Mrs. Austin, whose late husband, Grafton Austin, was the first elected mayor of La Marque , has been both a student and a benefactor at the College. She took art classes at the College in the early 1970s and more recently donated funds for a Grafton and Barbara Austin Scholarship.

“ I just wanted to set up a scholarship for students who need the help and who are serious about making good grades,” said Austin . “I think its great for local kids to have COM nearby. I only wish it had been around when I graduated from Ball High.”

The named scholarship is for business or graphic arts majors. The COM Foundation awards over 100 scholarships each spring to local students. The application deadline is March 31, 2006. For applications or more information, contact the Foundation Office at 938-1211, Ext. 508 or visit it online at www.com.edu/foundation. 

ESL students are congratulated by their peers and COM administrators following a holiday production of a one-act play that was part of their ESL class at COM this semester.

Back Row:  President “Butch” Hayes, Dr. Katherine Moser, Joselindo Dabao (Philippines); Lan Tran Ngoc (Vietnam); Hedwieg Putz (Mexico); Rodolfo Zavala (Mexico); Elida Matthews (ESL Program Coordinator).

Front Row:  Yolanda Trejo (Mexico); Shuo Cheng (China); Nell Phy (ESL Volunteer); Sally Davila (ESL Instructor).

Learning lines in a play can be as challenging as learning English as a Second Language (ESL), but students in Sally Davila’s ESL class at College of the Mainland did both this semester to rave reviews.

The class, which included students from China, Mexico, Philippines and Vietnam, presented a play entitled “One Ghost for the Day, One Ghost for the Night.” The students were involved in the costuming and set for the short play that they performed recently for other ESL students. Also in attendance were COM President Dr. Homer M. “Butch” Hayes, Dr. Katherine Moser, and associate vice president, and Elida Matthews, ESL program coordinator.

The play demonstrated the students’ improved English speaking skills. Intermediate and advanced students learned phonics, grammar, word syllables, reading and writing summaries, and life skills.  In preparation for the play, they learned sound pitch, inflection of words and projection.  Their portrayals demonstrated their increased self-esteem.

Pictured are some of the students who were involved in the project.

Lodi Salazar, the program assistant with COM’s Collegiate High School is the December Employee of the Month. 

Dr. Homer M. Hayes, COM president, presented her with the award and the coveted reserved parking spot at a recent Board meeting. Looking on is Mike Hedger with the Employee of the Month Committee.

COM BRIEFS December 5 – 17

Kwanzaa Features Jawad

Performing artists Jawad and Kijana will appear at COM Tuesday Dec. 6 from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. in the Student Center as part of COM’s Kwanzaa Awareness Day. Jawad has opened for or performed with Dizzy Gillespie, Gerald Albright, Alex Bugnon, The Manhattans and others. His voice has been described as a cross between Al Jarreau and Nat King Cole. The public is invited to this free noontime concert.

Free Concert

The College of the Mainland Community Concert Band directed by Sparky Koerner will perform on Monday December 5, 2005 at 8 p.m. in the Fine Arts Building Recital Hall. The program will include music from Josef Haydn a selection of American Tunes music of John Williams and a drum solo, Sing, Sing, Sing, featuring Jim Shaver on drum set. Maurice Ravel’s Bolero will feature various soloists from the band playing the main theme of the music. The performance will also include Christmas music to help get you into the holiday spirit.  The concert is free and open to the public.

The College of the Mainland Community Concert Band directed by Sparky Koerner will perform on Monday December 5, 2005 at 8:00 PM in the Fine Arts Building Recital Hall. The program will include music from Josef Haydn a selection of American Tunes music of John Williams and a drum feature Sing, Sing, Sing featuring Jim Shaver on drum set. Maurice Ravel’s Bolero will feature various soloists from the band playing the main theme of the music. The performance will also include Christmas music to help get you into the holiday spirit.  The concert is free and open to the public.

Senior Adult Christmas Reception

The Senior Adults at COM will hold their annual Christmas Reception Friday, Dec. 16 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the La Marque Center, 11`30 Delmar. Members of the senior adult program planning to attend should RSVP to (409) 938-1211, Ext. 226.

COM Club Launches Annual Coat Drive

The College of the Mainland chapter of the Organization of African American Culture (OAAC) is holding its annual Gently Word Coat/Jacket Drive through December 13. Coats and jackets can be dropped off in designated boxes in the Technical-Vocational Building, the Student Center, the COM gym, and at the COM physical plant. All donated jackets and coats will be given to La Marque Aid and Guidance.

Sedona and Grand Canyon Trip Planned

The COM Senior Adult program has an April trip planned for Sedona and the Grand Canyon.

The trip includes five nights at the Hilton Sedona Resort and Spa nestled in the dramatic Red Rock setting in Arizona and a trip to the Grand Canyon on the Grand Canyon Railway. The six-day excursion includes meals, ground transportation, and air travel.  For information about the April 23-28 trip, call Eva Neinas at (409) 938-1211, ext. 432.

COM Collegiate High School Starts Toy Drive

The College of the Mainland’s Collegiate High School for Petrochemical Careers Is helping Interfaith Caring Ministries’ Christmas Store with a toy drive at the College through Dec. 8. Donated toys can be dropped off in Room T-23 of the Technical-Education Building.

Needed items include Barbie dolls, soft baby dolls, action figures, basketballs, softballs, footballs, cars, trucks, Legos, Duplos, roller skates/blades, craft kits, educational toys, G-rated movies, toddler toys, watches, CD players, and radios.

Spring Registration Underway

Registration for the 2006 Spring semester at College of the Mainland begins Monday, Dec. 5 with on campus registration continuiing through Dec. 16. Returning students with no academic holds can register online 24/7 at www.com.edu. The 2006 Spring credit schedule is now online.

COM Foundation Donor-Student Luncheon

The College of the Mainland Foundation holds its annual Donor-Student Luncheon honoring donors and scholarship recipients Friday, December 9 in the Student Center.  The donor of the year will be announced and the COM Chorale will provide holiday entertainment.

The COM Foundation's annual scholarship competition begins on January 2 and runs through March 31, 2006.  Students may pick up scholarship applications from the COM Foundation office or in high school counselors' offices after the first of the year.  The scholarships will be awarded in May for the Fall 06 and Spring 07 semesters.  

Makeup for the Mature Face

The COM Learning Center is bringing in an experienced cosmetology instructor to share her secrets of making up the mature face. From lipstick and eye shadow to the complete package for looking fabulous at any age, the class is just in time for the holidays. This is not product promotion workshop.

The class meets Dec. 5 from 9 a.m. to noon. For more information, call 281-332-1800.

Mainland Vocal Groups Christmas Concert in Santa Fe

The College of the Mainland Vocal Arts will present a free holiday concert at the Arcadia First Baptist Church in Santa Fe, Tuesday, Dec. 13 at 7:30 p.m. We Need A Little Christmas! features the Mainland Singers and Mainland Chorale conducted by Dr. James Heffel with accompanist M.J. Milford. Admission is free.

Musical performer Jawad will appear at COM's Kwanzaa celebration at 12:30 p.m. Dec. 6 in the Student Center. 

The public is invited to the free performance.

Admission is free to COM students and
employees and $3 for all others.

Few College of the Mainland (COM) students may realize that their history professor excelled at America’s pastime long before he began teaching America’s past. Larry L. Smith, who teaches history at COM, was a nationally ranked high school and college baseball player who went on to play two years with the Baltimore Orioles farm team. Smith, a graduate of Sam Houston State University, was recently honored by his alma mater and inducted into

the university's Bearkat Hall of Honor.

Smith started his athletic career in the small farming community of Cooper in East Texas. He played football, basketball and baseball in high school and basketball and baseball at Texarkana Junior College before transferring to Sam Houston State in 1961.

He lettered three years as a first baseman, 1961-1963, earned NAIA all-America honors in 1962, and was a member of the Bearkat 1963 NAIA World Series national championship team.

He was named to the NAIA World Series all-star teams in both 1962 and 1963.

In 1962 he led the Bearkats in home runs and was team leader in doubles in 1963, runs-batted-in in 1963, and tied the record for the most stolen bases in one game in 1963.

He signed with the Baltimore Orioles in 1963, and played two seasons in their farm system in West Virginia, South Dakota, Wisconsin and California.

In his induction presentation, Smith was remembered as a "true scholar-athlete" who graduated with a 3.7 grade point average. He was selected as the Outstanding History Student and was named to Who's Who in American Colleges and Universities.

After completing his master's degree in history in 1965 he taught in Dickinson for two years, and then the College of the Mainland, where he has taught and worked in administration since 1967.

In 1988 he was named College of the Mainland Teacher of the Year.

Paul Hester's photograph of the final moments of the famous Shamrock Hotel In Houston is part of the Urban Scapes Exhibit on display at the COM Fine Arts Gallery through Dec. 7. 

The show also features the paintings of Janaki
Lennie and the ceramics of Gary Carlos around a common urban theme.

COM History Professor Honored for Making 
History on the Baseball Diamond

(TEXAS CITY) - Few College of the Mainland (COM) students may realize that their history professor excelled at America’s pastime long before he began teaching America’s past. Larry L. Smith, who teaches history at COM, was a nationally ranked high school and college baseball player who went on to play two years with the Baltimore Orioles farm team. Smith, a graduate of Sam Houston State University, was recently honored by his alma mater and inducted into the university's Bearkat Hall of Honor.

Smith started his athletic career in the small farming community of Cooper in East Texas. He played football, basketball and baseball in high school and basketball and baseball at Texarkana Junior College before transferring to Sam Houston State in 1961.

He lettered three years as a first baseman, 1961-1963, earned NAIA all-America honors in 1962, and was a member of the Bearkat 1963 NAIA World Series national championship team.

He was named to the NAIA World Series all-star teams in both 1962 and 1963.

In 1962 he led the Bearkats in home runs and was team leader in doubles in 1963, runs-batted-in in 1963, and tied the record for the most stolen bases in one game in 1963.

He signed with the Baltimore Orioles in 1963, and played two seasons in their farm system in West Virginia, South Dakota, Wisconsin and California.

In his induction presentation, Smith was remembered as a "true scholar-athlete" who graduated with a 3.7 grade point average. He was selected as the Outstanding History Student and was named to Who's Who in American Colleges and Universities.

After completing his master's degree in history in 1965 he taught in Dickinson for two years, and then the College of the Mainland, where he has taught and worked in administration since 1967.

In 1988 he was named College of the Mainland Teacher of the Year.

The 8 p.m. concert will be held
in the Fine Arts Recital Hall.

Unexpected things happen when Jason Bishop is in the room. Bills change denomination, birds appear out of nowhere, and a person floats on top of a microphone stand. And that's just the first five minutes. Bishop, a magician and award-winning illusionist, brings his show to College of the Mainland Thursday, Oct.  27 at 7 p.m.

During his performance in the Teaching Auditorium (L-131), one person will visibly pass through another; someone will be sliced in half

with a samurai sword, and audience members will get to assist in some of the illusions.   Bishop has performed in Atlantic City , on cruise ships, and at Caroline's on Broadway.

The public is invited to this free performance but space is limited to the first 265 people.

The Student Activities Board at COM is sponsoring Jason Bishop's appearance.

College of the Mainland offers a workshop on the scientific technique for applying therapeutic action to the reflex zones. Billie Lambert, a certified foot reflexologist will demonstrate this healing tool and then give participants an opportunity to practice on someone else. The workshop is scheduled for Nov. 8 and 15 from 5:45 to 7:15 p.m. in the Student Center, Room SC-120. The sign-up deadline is Thursday Nov. 3. The cost is $16 a person. For more information or to register, call (409) 938-1211, Ext. 418.
 

Senior Olympian Hershel Glanz displays some of the gold medals he has won recently in national and state competition.
The Texas City resident teaches a health and fitness class and swimming at COM.
 

Senior Olympian at COM Gives Meaning to the Golden Years It's not the “golden years” but the golden accolades that people associate with 66-year old Hershel Glanz of Texas City. The adjunct instructor at COM won the two Gold Medals in the 100- and 200-yard backstroke and Silver in the 50-yard backstroke at last summer's Senior Olympics in Pennsylvania.

In the week leading up to Halloween, the COM Learning Center is offering a cornucopia of unusual and mysterious classes on subjects ranging from ghosts and Big Foot to angels and hypnosis.

Hypnosis, Can You Do It is a three-hour class that explores the self-hypnosis and the mystery surrounding the practice that dates back 5,000 years. The class will meet Monday, Oct. 24 from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.

Angels On Your Shoulder features a woman who communicates with an angel and has it appear in class.  The class is Tuesday, Oct. 25 from 7 to 9 p.m.

Ghost Hunting, a popular class at Halloween, returns Oct. 26 from 6:30 to 9 p.m. A real ghost hunter will share her recent ghost hunting experience in Ireland.

Skeletons in the Closet is a more serious look at crime scene investigations of skeletal remains. John Pruitt, a Galveston County Criminal Scene Investigator, will teach the class, which meets Thursday, Oct. 27 from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.

Big Foot/Sasquatch Comes to COM in the form of a representative from the Big Foot research Center near Dallas. The Big Foot sleuth will discuss sightings in Texas including one as close as 60 miles from Galveston. The class meets Friday, Oct. 28 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m All classes meet at the Learning Center in League City and the cost for each class is $18 in-district and $23 out-of-district. Discounts are available for senior adults. For more information, call 281-332-1800.

COM Artists Featured in new Arts Alliance exhibit COM art professor Mark Greenwalt, COM alumnus Tamesha Franklin, and current COM student Louis Gleason are featured along with other area artists in a new exhibit, Sub Text, at the Arts Alliance Center at Clear Lake. The invitational exhibit continues through October 27.

Master Illusionist Coming to COM

Illusionist Jason Bishop will perform at the College of the Mainland Teaching Auditorium (L-131) Thursday, October 27 at 7 p.m. The public is invited to this free performance but space is limited to the first 265 people.

Fiction Writing For Fun and Profit

Anyone interested in writing short fiction, children's books, or full-length novels can benefit from a 12-hour continuing education class, Writing Fiction for Fun and Profit, at the COM Learning Center in League City. The class meets Wednesdays from 6 to 9 p.m. beginning Oct. 12. Tuition discounts are available for senior adults.

Introduction to PowerPoint

The COM Learning Center has scheduled an Introduction to PowerPoint class to run two consecutive Saturdays from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. beginning October. 22. It will cover how to produce multimedia presentations using graphics, text, sound and animation. For more information, call the Learning Center at 281-332-1800.

Introduction to Excel

Students can learn the basics of the popular spreadsheet program in a 16-hour class that meets Mondays and Wednesdays from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. October 24 through November 16 at the COM Learning Center in League City. Call 281-332-1800 for more information or visit online at www.com.edu/LC.

Early Bird Spanish Class Starting

An eight-week Spanish II class begins October 24 at COM. The class is offered as both a
four-credit class and as a continuing education overlay. The class meets Mondays through Thursdays from 7:30 to 9:30 a.m.

New Real Estate Class Starting

Real Estate Contracts, a three-week course, starts Oct. 10 and runs through Oct. 27. The class can be taken for credit or for continuing education units. The class meets Mondays through Thursdays from 6 to 10 p.m. in the Technical-Vocational Building at COM. For more information, contact Rich Nowak at (409) 938-1211 or (888) 258-8859, Ext. 386.

Hybrid Accounting Class Starting at Clear Creek Center

Principles of Accounting 2302.81 is a three-credit class that meets Wednesdays from 5:45 to 8:35 at the Clear Creek Ninth Grade Center beginning Oct. 26. This hybrid class meets only once a week but all assignments are done online. Interested students can email the instructor, Melvin Williams, for more information at mwilliams@com.edu. 
 

Front row, left to right are: Jimmy Mitchell (Hitchcock), Danie Fugate (Santa Fe), and Jessica Laijas (La Marque) Standing, left to right are: Joshua Varghese (Dickinson), Michael Meltong (La Marque), Miguel Montelongo (Dickinson), and Cody Robinson (La Marque).

Volunteers from College of the Mainland's  Collegiate High School joined workers from DOW last month during Texas City Dike Clean Up Day.

Performances are Thursdays through Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2:30 p.m.

Left to right are actors Harry M. Little III of La Marque, Terry Ogden of Clear Lake, Lee Born of Houston, and Tim Raeke of Galveston.

Student workers preparing the care packages for
the Coast Guard.

College of the Mainland students and staff have been volunteering weekends at area shelters since Katrina evacuees begin arriving in Galveston County over a week ago. Last week, the College set up a campus committee to facilitate volunteer and donation efforts and to keep employees informed of the changing needs at area shelters. In addition, the College announced that employees could use

up to eight hours of college time to volunteer with area relief efforts during September. Many
employees continue to work at area shelters during their own time.  

Students and staff loading van for delivery to Ellington Field.

The College set up a Hurricane Katrina link on its web site and sent out several emails to let employees and students know where the greatest needs were in the community. At the request of several receiving shelters, the College stopped soliciting clothing donations. On Thursday (Sept. 8), a relief coordinator at UTMB asked the College if it could help collect 50 hygiene

kits, t-shirts and a few other items in short supply—bug spray, foot powder, power bars, dry soup, and wipes. It seems a U.S. Coast Guard contingent from Houston had requested the “Care Packages” for their search and rescue teams in New Orleans. “We sent out an all employee email and within 24-hours we had collected everything they asked for and more,” said Jim Higgins, director of communications at COM. “A lady from UTMB picked up the packages and transported them to Ellington Field for the short hop to New Orleans. In the rush to help evacuees we sometimes forget the folks on the front line in the rescue effort,” he added.

The College is assisting in other ways. Students from colleges in Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama that have relocated temporarily to this area will be charged in-state tuition rather than the higher out-of-state tuition. They have until Sept. 14 to enroll in classes subject to instructor approval.

The College of the Mainland Foundation Office is handling all cash donations from students and staff. With the Mainland United Way campaign underway, donations can be made to either the Mainland United Way or the American Red Cross. The Foundation has also set up an assistance fund for students from the impacted Gulf Coast states.

The COM Theatre is offering free Thursday performances, Sept. 15, 22, and 29 of STALAG 17 for evacuees with a Louisiana driver’s license. Last week, a family staying at a local hotel was guests of the Theatre on opening night.

“College of the Mainland is reaching out not only community college evacuees but to all evacuees from Katrina so that these individuals can begin to have a normal existence in our community,“ said COM President Dr. Homer M. Hayes.

The performers are returning to COM
Sept. 15 for an evening performance as part of Hispanic Heritage Month at the College.

COM Reaching Out 
to Evacuees

College of the Mainland has extended help to Katrina evacuees by charging in-state tuition (rather than out-of-state tuition), extending student support services, and encouraging new residents to participate in the life of the College.

“The College of the Mainland community has been saddened and touched by the emergency created when hurricane Katrina came ashore in Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama,” said COM President Dr. Homer M. Hayes in making the announcement.  “It is my vision that the College will be able to reach out to not only community college evacuees but to all evacuees from Katrina so that individuals can begin to have a normal existence in our community. “

To meet that goal, Dr. Hayes stated that the College would:

1. Endeavor to enroll individuals who were or who intended to enroll in community colleges in Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama. “With proof of residence, we will strive to find places within our instructional programs,” Dr. Hayes said.
2. Charge students in-state tuition and fees and no late fees and work with evacuees through the Financial Aid Office to identify resources to cover tuition and fees.
3. Coordinate with social service agencies in the community to provide social, cultural, and educational activities for evacuees to enrich their lives while in the community and to help them transition to returning home or finding a new home.

College of the Mainland has also approved employees to work up to eight hours on College leave time for the month of September 2005, as a volunteer at any community assistance site that is helping evacuees from Alabama, Louisiana or Mississippi.

College students and staff have already contributed volunteer hours over the Labor Day Weekend and raised over $3,000 for the relief effort and will continue to do so, added Dr.. Hayes.

The College of the Mainland Foundation is accepting donations for the American Red Cross and for a Hurricane Katrina COM Student Relief Fund that will go towards books and tuition for evacuee students.

“This is an opportunity for all of us to make a difference for so many who have joined our community at this difficult time,” said Dr. Hayes.

For updated information, visit the College web site at www.com.edu

STALAG 17 at College of the Mainland Community Theatre

The suspenseful WWII comedy-drama, STALAG 17, will open on Thursday, September 8 at 8:00 PM and continue through October 2 at College of the Mainland Theatre in Texas City.

The cast features, from left, Kris Verdeyen of Houston, Chris Gonzalez of League City, Joey Milillo of Dickinson, and Jerry Parson of Texas City. 

Presenting Brittany with her backpack is COM associate vice president Rick Gearing.

The advisory committee for College of the Mainland’s Collegiate High School for Petrochemical Careers met recently at International Specialty Products (ISP) to discuss new curriculum and student recruitment. This marks the start of the second year for this innovative program and its partnership with area industry and school districts.

Following the meeting, members of the committee were invited to tour the ISP facilities.  Besides COM administrators, the committee includes

"The Cat in the Hat (Brady Alland) shows JoJo (Stephanie Porter) that Horton the Elephant (Chris Pool) hears the Whos" in College of the Mainland’s colorful whimsical production of  SEUSSICAL the musical. The summer musical runs through August 14th. For ticket information call 409-938-1211 ext. 345 or 1-888-258-8859 ext.345.

Seussical now playing at com

Seussical, a musical based on Dr. Seuss’s whimsical characters, plays Thursdays through Sundays at the College of the Mainland Arena Theatre through August 14. For times and ticket information, call the theatre Box Office at 1-888-258-8859, ext. 345.

(TEXAS CITY) - Local businesses in Clear Lake and Galveston County have joined together to support the College of the Mainland Foundation and its upcoming gala, “Celebrating Our Mainland Heroes.”  The gala will be held Saturday, August 20^th at the Doyle Convention Center in Texas City.

Each year, through a scholarship fund, COM recognizes individuals whose contributions to higher education and the community make an impact throughout the Gulf Coast region.

This year’s honorees include Chuck and Mary Ellen Doyle, Jim and Helen Kilroy, Jim and Lee Reinhartsen, Pete Rygaard, Harry Robinson, John Castaneda, Alex Pratt, Gene Kranz, and Vic Pierson.

Underwriters to date for the “Celebrating Our Mainland Heroes Gala” are Bank of America, Boeing, Dow, Mainland Bank, Mainland Medical Center, Port of Texas City, Sterling Chemicals, Valero Refining - Texas, and an anonymous friend of the COM Foundation.

Businesses or individuals wishing to underwrite part of the August 20^th gala may contact Monica O’Neal, COM Foundation Director, at (409) 938-1211, Ext. 557.

Individual tickets are $125 and sponsorship levels at $1,500, $2,500 and $5,000 are also available and include a table for eight along with other amenities.

Summer cadet class at COM with the Fire Academy’s new truck. Left to right: Steve Keller, academy director; Michael Campbell, Saratoga, TX; Clint Winwood, Santa Fe; Charles Ellis, Houston; Andrew Williams, Spring, TX; Chase Bessire, Texas City; James Ford, Kemah; Jason Myers, League City; and Peter Leggio, Kemah.

(TEXAS CITY) - The College of the Mainland summer fire academy cadets recently had an opportunity to take their classroom training into the real world when they helped a woman salvage what was left of her fire damaged apartment and move into a new one.

The cadets were at the Forest Bend Fire Department for salvage and overhaul training in early June when a “real world” salvage opportunity occurred. Days before, an apartment complex fire in Clear Lake badly damaged two units, one of which was occupied by a recently widowed woman.

“The woman recently lost her home and her car when her husband died because he had no insurance, said Allison Dean, an administrator with the Forest Bend Fire Department. “All she had was what was in that apartment and her dog. She called us a few days after the fire because she did not know who else to turn to.”

The COM students and their instructor, Stan Kozlowski, got a first hand look at both the physical and emotional scars that a fire leaves behind. They volunteered to help the woman recover what they could from her burned out apartment. The work was not easy as it was done in the heat of June with no electricity, no water, and the smell of smoke everywhere.

Dean observed that the cadets never complained about the working conditions, which included removing two dead cats from the apartment.

“I would think that if there was any doubt in any of their minds about becoming firefighters, this situation would have caused them to quit the academy,” she said. “But they didn’t and I am impressed.”