News: Heritage High School AD Ron Petrella Raises Money for Cancer Research in Role as Justice of the Peace

Heritage High School Athletic Directory Ron Petrella is also a civil celebrant 

(Virginia's version of a Justice of the Peace) and the cancer survivor raises 

money for cancer research by donating his fee for officiating at weddings 

to the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life.

Editor's note: How about this story on the American Cancer Society website featuring Heritage High School athletic director Ron Petrella! Enjoy ...

(Aug. 26, 2010) - After Ronald Petrella was diagnosed with cancer in 2004, he decided to create a “bucket list” of things he wanted to do in his life time. They included going to Fenway Park and Lambeau Field, buying a convertible, and becoming an ordained justice of the peace. He’s not only accomplished all of those things – he’s turned his status as a justice of the peace (or civil celebrant as justices are known in Virginia) – into a way to raise funds for the American Cancer Society’s Relay For Life.

During his four years of officiating at weddings, he’s raised thousands of dollars for the Western Loudoun Relay event in Loudoun County, Virginia. This year alone, he’s raised $5,436, and he has seven weddings scheduled before the end of the Society’s fiscal year on August 31.