STEM Academy Student Participates in Project 351 in Boston!
by Jeff Duffany, Social Studies Teacher – STEM Academy
Last weekend, I attended Project 351 as a bus captain and was responsible for delivering the students safely to and from Boston. It truly was an amazing experience.
On Saturday January 17, 2015, Ella Strano from the Sandwich STEM Academy took part in the Launch Day for Project 351 in Boston. Attendees were taken by bus to Faneuil Hall in Boston where they heard Congressman Seth Moulton from the Massachusetts 6th District speak about service and leadership.
In addition, Bill Richard, the father of Boston Marathon bombing victim Martin Richard also spoke about kindness in a touching address. From Faneuil Hall, ambassadors were brought to service sites around the city to perform service for a few hours at select locations.
Ella helped paint the halls of Brighton High School with her fellow ambassadors.
Robert Kraft and new Governor Charlie Baker spoke with the delegates.
Ambassadors were then brought to the Massachusetts State House to participate in a town meeting with Governor Charlie Baker. Among the special guests were Robert Kraft, owner of the New England Patriots.
This spring, Ella and the other ambassadors will lead a service project in their town called Spring Greening where they will collect lightly used clothing to be donated to the Cradles for Crayons organization. Below is a brief summary of Project 351.
Project 351 is a statewide youth service organization dedicated to building unity and leadership through the year long engagement and enrichment of an 8th grade service Ambassador from every city and town in Massachusetts. Youth are selected by hometown educators for an exemplary ethic of service and the values of kindness, compassion, humility, and generosity of spirit. Ambassadors attend a kickoff day in January in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in Boston.
Upon returning, the Ambassadors lead a service project in their community in the Spring. Through Project 351, youth develop confidence, compassion, and leadership and communication skills. In addition, Ambassadors have a chance to make a difference in their schools and communities.
Ella was selected for participation in this event for her leadership, kindness, compassion, and generosity of spirit by her teachers.
