Although I have spent the better part of two years here, the real meaning or symbolism of St. Mary's Academy and the spirit of the people here did not come clear to me until just recently during the fire that finally destroyed the old building. And even now, as she stands in ruins in the snow, there is something majestic and awe-inspiring about the place.

Fighting the fire was a tremendous community project. Young and old, men and boys, women, and girls, laborers and professional men, ranchers and business men, teachers and students- all had a hand somewhere in the overwhelming task, I was amazed at the number of people who wanted to do something, anything to help. After working hard all day these people came to work even harder. Men who were ready to quit work and head home to relax worked for hours, tired and hungry, soaked to the skin, pouring water onto the blaze. There is no way to describe them other than heroic. The police and the other risked their lives to remove explosive oxygen and the chemical tanks from the building. Church groups from several of the churches were organized to make sandwiches and coffee - supermarkets provided food without the thought for the cost and Merchants provided gloves by the dozens, St. Anthony's Hospital and the Senior Citizens Home provided food, towels and blankets. The Power Company made its trucks available, Women worked through the night and into the morning to keep the food, coffee and clothing available. Fire companies came from Stuart, Page, Atkinson, Chambers, and Ewing. The charity and kindness of so many people working so hard together was a sight on seldom beholds anywhere. I was told before that the people of the area were just that good - it was prophetic. Something that touched us deeply was the docility of our young people from both St. Mary's. and the Public School their eagerness to help, their stamina, and the unflinching, non-complaining way they did anything that was asked of them and more. Cooperation in the time of crisis was wonderful. When it looked like things were dark for resuming classes, the school board, the National Guard, and the Methodist Church stepped forward to provide classroom space. It was heartwarming. The spirit of the people became so much more clear to me. When someone is in trouble everyone pitches in to help.

The love for St. Mary's was easy to see everywhere. One of the Franciscan Sisters, with tears in her eyes as she watched, could only say, "Not this way, not this way." others too were just too shocked to say much. St. Mary's was and will continue to be and "Alma Mater" A Dear Mother. The good sisters and lay teachers were willing and anxious to continue teaching as St. Mary's must and will continue.

We are grateful to so many people and organizations who worked so hard and helped so much. But above all we thank God that no injuries were serious and no lives lost only a building whose memory no fire can destroy.