Charity gala raises money for students, school programs

ACUSHNET — Dressed to the nines, Tri-Town community members gathered for a charity gala on Oct. 8 organized by the Tri-Town Education Foundation, which raised money for Old Rochester Regional High School’s student programs and activities.

In attendance were district leaders, principals, teachers, School Committee members, students and community members. They raised money for the foundation through a silent auction, which included prizes like tickets to Water Wizz in Cape Cod, bottled wines, a custom portrait photography session, restaurant giftcards, basketball camp sessions and Red Sox tickets. 

During the school year, educators can apply for grants for costs outside of the district budget, which a committee will review. It’s been used for the school’s music program, robotics program, ambassador’s club and more, said Tri-Town Education Foundation Chairperson Doreen Lopes. She said she was “overwhelmed by the number of folks” supporting the event.

“I am beyond excited that the Tri-Town Education Foundation is spotlighting all the great work we’ve done for many years and looking to build upon it,” said district Superintendent Michael Nelson. “[The turnout and sponsorships] show how strong a school community we have. Knowing that every dollar goes back to the teachers for projects and resources they think are important for our students makes it even more special.”

Junior High School Music Teacher Richard Laprise has been applying for the foundation grants since 2018 and used over $10,000 for commissioning original music, inviting in composers and conductors and hosting guest soloists. The National Association of Music Merchants has recognized the district as one of the best for music education for four years. 

“Normally, [students] look at the top of their page of music and see a dedication line that reads something like, ‘Written for the Eisenhower Elementary School in Dubuque, Iowa.’ Because of TTEF, our young musicians open their folders and see, ‘Written for the Old Rochester Regional School District,’” he said. “That is something truly unique and special, and it creates a lasting legacy because whenever this music is played across the country and around the world, those kids look in their folders and read the name of our community."

The foundation also supported the high school’s ambassadors club by sponsoring its school-colored blazers worn for special events. Six ambassadors attended the event and spoke to guests.

“I enjoy being an ambassador because I get new opportunities, and I get to help everybody in my community. It makes me feel like I belong,” sophomore Mollie Osetkowski said.

High School Principal Michael Devoll and Marion School Committee Chair April Nye both said it was great to see the turnout from community members. Devoll said the foundation is “a constant support for the schools.”

“I think this is an amazing event that helps support our students and educators, and it’s great to see that the community has come out,” Nye said. “It all goes back to our kids.”