Watertown, MA – Perkins School for the Blind alumna Ashley Bernard, of Stoughton, sang the national anthem at the Massachusetts State House on Wednesday, January 2, 2013, as The 188th General Court of The Commonwealth of Massachusetts was called into session.

Representative Angelo M. Scaccia introduced Ms. Bernard, a member of Perkins’ class of 2012 who is currently enrolled at Bridgewater State University. The accomplished soprano rendered the final strains of “The Star Spangled Banner” and the crowded chamber erupted into applause as she was escorted back to her seat by Perkins president Steven M. Rothstein. In addition to Mr. Rothstein, Ms. Bernard was also accompanied to Beacon Hill by her vocal coach, Perkins music teacher Jennie O’Brien.

Perkins provides education, services and products to people who are blind, deafblind, or visually impaired with other disabilities, to build more productive and meaningful lives. Perkins pursues this mission both locally and globally. Founded in 1829, Perkins reaches more than a half million people each year in 67 countries around the world. The organization advances its mission through its various divisions: School for the Blind, International, Library, eLearning, and Products. Learn more at www.Perkins.org