Principal Jill Rossetti of Blue Hills Regional Technical School Participates in Muscular Dystrophy Assn. "Lock-Up"

In photo above, Principal Jill Rossetti of Blue Hills Regional is accompanied by Officer Ricardo Jean of the Norfolk Sheriff's Office as she gets ready to go to the "lock-up" in Norwood for the Muscular Dystrophy Association's Lock-Up fundraiser on March 2. Photo by Judy Bass.

By Judy Bass

Principal Jill Rossetti of Blue Hills Regional Technical School in Canton recently became a "jailbird" for the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) nationwide fundraiser called the Lock-Up. Participants are "put behind bars for good," so to speak, while asking for donations toward their figurative bail. (In Ms. Rossetti's case, the sum was $2,400.) Those donations go towards various aspects of the MDA's outreach to people affected by muscular diseases such as research, equipment repairs, clinic visits, support groups, flu shots, and overnight summer camps.

Thanks to the tireless efforts of Ms. Rossetti, and the generosity of those at Blue Hills Regional and beyond who donated to her endeavor, more than $3,000 was collected for the MDA - $3,095, to be exact.

On March 2, Ms. Rossetti was escorted from Blue Hills Regional by Officer Ricardo Jean of the Norfolk Sheriff’s Office and taken to Napper Tandy’s, a pub in Norwood, where she was symbolically "locked up" until she was bailed out.

Describing Blue Hills Regional's willingness to pitch in whenever needed for charitable causes, Ms. Rossetti said, "We have big hearts and enjoy giving back because it feels good. It makes Blue Hills and the world a better place. Together, we can make a positive difference and that's important."

The benefit of doing good works accrues to the students in multiple ways, she explained. "Students learn that giving back is important. They build self-esteem, increase their confidence, meet new people, understand empathy, and engage in causes that mean something to them. They learn to be compassionate, caring people who become active citizens engaged in solving challenges in society. They become the leaders of today and tomorrow."

Ms. Rossetti would like to express her sincere gratitude to the Blue Hills Regional District School Committee, her family, friends and colleagues for all their support and help. She also thanks her administrative secretary, Cynthia Fama, for getting the word out about this effort and helping her reach her monetary goal.