WATCH: UGA students receive standing ovation in Georgia House after saving family from sinking car
ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) - Five University of Georgia (UGA) students were honored in the Georgia House on Tuesday after they helped a family survive a car crash earlier this month.
Jane McArdle, Molly McCollum, Eleanor Cart, Clarke Jones and Kaitlyn Lannace received a standing ovation from lawmakers. A resolution commended their “selfless actions to save their fellow citizens” and extended “sincere best wishes for future health, happiness, and success.”
“These five women are heroes,” Rep. Houston Gaines said while introducing them to the House. “I’ve certainly never been prouder of the University of Georgia, never been prouder to represent Athens and I just want to say thank y’all.”
PREVIOUS COVERAGE: UGA freshmen hailed heroes for saving children’s lives following rollover crash
On March 15, the students were driving to Savannah for St. Patrick’s Day when they saw an SUV roll into a creek in Burke County. They turned around and quickly jumped into action, pulling a mother and her 8-year-old and 4-year-old children out of the car as it sank.
Jones used to be a lifeguard and she performed R on the youngest child, she told Atlanta News First.
“Eventually he came to and started crying and breathing and it was a really surreal experience,” she said.
In a social media post, the Burke County Sheriff’s Office complimented the young women’s courageousness.
“The quick thinking and bravery of these women is absolutely irable,” it said. “We are grateful you were in the right place at the right time.”
The students were also honored with a proclamation presented by UGA President Jere W. Morehead.
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