BRISTOL, Va. — The city of Bristol presented three Virginia Intermont College students with the first ever “Hometown Hero” awards on Jan. 25 in recognition of the students’ rescue of a woman and her three young children from a fire that destroyed their home.
The students are Amelia D’Agostino, an equine studies major from Herndon, Va.; Cameron Carlson, an equine studies and pre-medicine major from Blowing Rock, N.C.; and Emily Myers, a photography and digital imaging major from Yorktown, Va.
In late December the students were returning to campus at night when they spotted the house fire. They called 911 and even though they were advised against it, their instincts told them since a car was parked in the yard that someone was inside.
The students started banging on the door and were able to rouse Jennifer Pendleton and her three children. The family was able to escape the blaze.
The students say the experience was life-changing, City officials plan to continue the award for years to come.