Bristol-Plymouth school resource officer saluted as HERO

Aug 31, 2022

TAUNTON — Superintendent Alexandre Magalhaes has announced the success of School Resource Officer Jayson LaPlante’s HERO (Helping Students, Education, Respect-Building, Outreach) program.

Through the HERO program, LaPlante organizes and solicits donations to take Bristol-Plymouth Regional Technical School students on field trips. This includes taking more than 100 students to Red Sox games and more than 120 students to Celtics or Bruins games over the past six years.

Bristol-Plymouth Regional Technical School takes in students from a variety of area communities, including Middleboro.

Recently, the HERO program received a donation from the City of Taunton for $2,500. These funds will go toward bringing even more trips for students.

Students complete essays prior to attending the trips, which serve as a tool for LaPlante to get to know his students better and encourage students who otherwise would not be comfortable sharing to open up to him. As school resource officer, he tries to identify students he feels would benefit most from the program and see if they want to write an essay to form a connection.

"The program allows students to make a positive difference in their school,” LaPlante said. “I get great kids with great hearts to help people, and it means a lot to be able to bring kids together from different social circles to form new partnerships and friendships that lead to making a positive difference in our school community."

Through the connections LaPlante has made with students, he has emphasized the importance of giving back and getting involved with the community. He partners with local agencies to organize food drives and holiday gift donations.

“SRO LaPlante is a great asset to Bristol-Plymouth and this program is just one example of that,” said Assistant Director/Principal Karen Guenette. “He is incredibly welcoming to students, and the HERO program is an amazing way for students to get involved with their school and their community.”

LaPlante also works with students through programs like powder puff football, the school dodgeball tournament and the school basketball tournament ("Shop Madness"). These events get the kids involved in school spirit and instill a sense of school pride.

"It is so important to support programs that provide opportunities for our youth, and I'm thrilled to help the HERO Program," Taunton Mayor Shaunna O'Connell said. "Jayson LaPlante has a special ability to connect with students and I applaud his commitment to providing special experiences for our kids to enjoy."