South County Fire soon will have more firefighters to count on.

A little more than a week ago, seven fire recruits from that district graduated from the Snohomish County Fire Training Academy. They are Connor Davis, Thomas Fitchett, Jed Golder, Mitch Irvin, Sean McGinnis, Jordan Reyes and Cory Watters.

After completing a nine-week training course, the group was celebrated during an Aug. 16 ceremony at Lynnwood High School.

Irvin received the Engine Company Award, to recognize his impressive engine company skills.

Irvin, Fitchett, Golder and Watters all received First Whip, a leadership award presented each week. Golder was named Top Whip of the academy.

The title “First Whip” comes from times when horses moved fire equipment. The first whip was the captain’s driver and most trusted helper.

Now, the recruits spend three more weeks of training with South County Fire. After, they’ll begin work at one of the department’s 14 neighborhood fire stations.

Retired EvCC president receives award from Association of Community College Trustees

Recently retired, David Beyer is Everett Community College’s longest-serving president, with 13 years there.

This year, he received the Pacific Region CEO award from the Association of Community College Trustees. He’ll be celebrated at the organization’s annual Leadership Congress in October in San Francisco.

Beyer is one of five to receive the recognition. He’s now in the running to win a national award.

Beyer’s nomination recognizes his commitment to making equity a central principle at the college.

More than 19,000 students enroll at the school each year. During Beyer’s time there, more than $150 million in construction was completed at the Everett campus. He retired in June.

Daria Willis is the new college president.

“I’m excited to see President Beyer recognized for his leadership,” she said. “We are committed to continuing the equity and student success work he started so students can stay close and go far.”

Jefferson Elementary’s Mary Elizabeth Branch named Teacher of the Year

Everett Public Schools has named Mary Elizabeth Branch Teacher of the Year.

Branch is now in the running to become Regional Teacher of the Year. If she receives that title, she also could be in the running for State Teacher of the Year, and possibly National Teacher of the Year.

Branch teaches first grade at Jefferson Elementary School near Silver Lake. Positive affirmations line the walls of her classroom, where students have shown confidence in themselves, said Janet Erickson, literacy coach at Jefferson.

“Branch has helped change the culture around what our expectations are for each and every student; that no matter the background, ethnicity or level of poverty, all students can meet or exceed standards,” Erickson said.

Branch takes time with each student and adapts to their learning style, building a relationship with every one of them, a statement from the district said.

“(Branch) instills in each child a true love of learning and a desire to excel,” said Leanne Heilman, parent of a former student. “She does it in an amazingly calm and relaxed environment where every child is heard and appreciated.”

Former Northshore School District students enroll in military academies

Four recent graduates from the Northshore School District have enrolled in military academies.

They are Anisha Chowdhry from Inglemoor High School, Joseph Mucklestone from Woodinville High School, and Patrick Connor and Faith Brooks from Bothell High School.

Chowdhry was ASB president of her high school, and served on the district’s student board for the past two years.

She will attend the Naval Academy Preparatory School for one year. It’s the fourth-oldest Navy school in the country. After graduating from the preparatory course, she plans to enroll at the Naval Academy.

Mucklestone became involved with the Air Force while still in high school. He was part of the Civil Air Patrol, where teenagers are trained in aerospace and emergency services, and learn about the Air Force.

“My passion for service continued to grow as I learned more about the Air Force and what it means to serve,” he said.

Connor is set to attend the Coast Guard Academy. He followed that path because of family who had gone before him, for his love of the water and opportunities the Coast Guard provides. Of 2,300 applicants, 300 were chosen.

“I’m very grateful for this opportunity,” he said.

In high school, Brooks was president of volleyball clubs and varsity captain of the high school team. She also was the sports editor for the school’s student newspaper, and vice president of the National Honor Society.

She plans to join the U.S. Naval Academy and someday become a Navy pilot. She is one of 1,200 accepted to the school, out of 16,000 applicants.