News Photo by Jordan Spence Local law enforcement, EMS and fire departments help recreate a drunk driving scene to show TRiO Talent Search students what they do in an emergency situation.

ALPENA — Bonnie Johnson is enthusiastic to help advise students during the TRiO Talent Search summer camp.

“I like helping them find their dream, to just help them find their passion for life; to help find their passion, so they enjoy waking up every day for work,” she said.

Johnson is an adviser for Tawas and Oscoda schools and was in education for many years.

“Since this is the first day and they don’t know each other, they’re more quiet and shy,” she said.

She said she hopes the advisers and instructors all do their jobs and show them their potential in medical careers.

“It’s fun to plant the seed and watch it grow. They’re our future and hopefully we spark something they enjoy this week,” she said.

This year the camp has students from 17 different schools to learn about jobs in the medical field. Monday they recreated a party scene and drunk driving accident. Local fire departments, EMS and law enforcement helped show and inform the students what they do in those situations.

Later this week the students will receive a tour of MidMichigan Medical Center-Alpena, receive CPR and first aid training and more.

Robert Newton said he thinks the summer camp is an awesome opportunity for the students.

“I’m still friends on Facebook with a few of the previous students who are now getting or have gotten their doctorate,” Newton said.

Students Taylor, 16, and Molly Ayotte, 14, sisters from Alpena were excited for what they will learn as the week continues.

Taylor said she thinks the camp is a good option for students, one in which they couldn’t turn down.

“I just want to see what’s out there and what possibilities there are,” Molly said.

Taylor said she liked all the hands-on lessons and sometimes in the classroom students don’t get the whole effect.

“With this you get the full experience,” she said.

Jordan Spence can be reached via email at jspence@thealpenanews.com or by phone at 358-5687.