Personal Safety Training Organized 'In Direct Response to Lizzi'

Personal safety training for Westborough middle school and high school girls will be offered here Jan. 4 and Jan. 5 “in direct response to Lizzi Marriott," School Superintendent Marianne O'Connor said Wednesday night.

The "Empower The Girls We Love: Personal Safety Training 101" sessions have been "organized by some moms in town," O'Connor told the school committee.

The sessions by SAM Training LLC are from 9 a.m. to noon, 1 to 4 p.m. and 5 to 8 p.m. both days, which are Friday and Saturday, at Tatnuck Bookseller.

There is a $35 fee. "Proceeds above the costs to produce the event will be donated to the Marriott Family Fund," according to SAM Training's website.

The website describes the session as "a dynamic and interactive program designed for all women, with a particular focus on high school teenagers and college-aged girls. This three-hour program is an excellent way to build confidence, raise awareness and provide practical skills to protect personal safety. The program is fast-paced and easy to follow, no matter your age, size and ability."

O'Connor called the program "a great way" to promote "personal training for our students."

She said she will be sending information about the program to the Westborough schools and community.

According to New Hampshire authorities, Westborough High School 2011 graduate Lizzi Marriott, 19, attended a night class at the University of New Hampshire on Oct. 9 before she went to visit a friend in Dover, N.H.

Authorities say that Seth Mazzaglia, 29, of Dover strangled and/or suffocated her inside of his Sawyer Mill apartment. Based on information they received, the Coast Guard and New Hampshire Marine Patrol have been searching the waters around Peirce Island in Portsmouth to recover her body.

Mazzaglia was charged with second degree murder and is being held at the Strafford County Jail in Dover without bail. He is awaiting indictment.

The Westborough community is showing its support for the Marriott family in a number of ways.

The Westborough High School Student Council is selling "The Lizzi Light" bracelets for $2.

And the Westborough Athletic and Social Association has a Jan. 26 fundraiser planned at Indian Meadows.