Middle School teacher Michael Stetkiewicz (of "Team Extreme") was a hit as he volunteered for the Dunk Tank at the school's "Hoops for Hearts" program held Wednesday.

Middle School shows 'Heart' raising $60,000

Being "number one" is always tough; just ask the New England Patriots organization.

But perhaps some of the perseverance of the nearly 800 students at the North Attleborough Middle School may have rubbed off on backup Pats quarterback Damon Huard who participated in the students' "Hoops for Heart" held last Wednesday.

The Middle School had its own version of being tops in 2002, having raised some $30,700 for the American Heart Association, the most of any school in the U.S.

Teacher/coach Jason Feid, who represented the school in a visit to the White House after the successful program in 2002, said the students "were ready to do even better this year," their third year of participation, with a goal of $40,000.

Better, it seemed, was an understatement. Feid said on Thursday, the day after, over $60,000 had been raised by the youngsters. After some expenses, the grand total was just over $58,000 for the Heart Association.