MIDDLEBORO — Memorial Early Childhood Center preK student Reina Randall recently drove to school in style, in a police cruiser, thanks to her fund-raising efforts. 

Her escort was School Resource Officer and Middleboro Police Officer Steve Valerio, who drove the cruiser and even sounded the siren. Her invited guest was Maeve Owens.

She received the ride by raising the most money at the March 5 dance-a-thon, a fundraiser for the center’s parent-teacher association.

At the dance, all students were invited to dance with their classmates at the gym.

Thanks to support from families and the Memorial Early Childhood Center community, the event raised more than $15,000. This money is used to support parent-teacher association events in the school, fund field trips and sponsor enrichments, among other activities. 

All of Reina's preK classmates were outside eagerly awaiting her arrival and cheered for their friend. Pictures were taken and memories were made, teachers report. 

And what was the girls’ favorite part of the experience?

They both exclaimed "The sirens!" The girls said they whispered secrets to each other during their ride. 

The giggling girls noted another reason the event was so special: They got to be late to school.

Parent-teacher association members thanked Valerio for his support, noting his willingness to receive a pie in the face or sit in a dunk tank to raise funds and spirits.