The Mainland Heroes display their awards at the gala. Left to right, Dr. Larry Durrence, interim president of College of the Mainland; Winnie Corsaro, Santa Fe; Catherine “Kitty” Potter, Texas City; Vicki Mims, Dickinson; Lee Sander, Hitchcock; John Glowc

The Mainland Heroes Gala sponsored by the College of the Mainland Foundation raised over $16,000 for COM scholarships.
 
Stacy McGee, a COM student who is pursuing an associate degree and plans to become a physical therapist, received the 2012 Mainland Heroes Scholarship.
 
“Our goal is to make sure that deserving students are able to get scholarships so they don’t have a reason to say, ‘I can’t go to college,’” said Don Parsley, president of the COM Foundation.
 
The foundation grants nearly 100 scholarships each year.

“The foundation awards students based on academic success as well as other criteria such as personal interests, volunteer activities and financial need,” said Becky Miles, COM Foundation treasurer.
 
The gala also honored the 2012 Mainland Heroes. In recognition of their service to the community, Winnie Corsaro, Tillie Henson, Vicki Mims, Catherine “Kitty” Potter, Lee Sander, Barbara White and Maryann Urick (posthumously) received the Mainland Heroes Award.