Eighth-grade service Ambassadors representing the Commonwealth’s 351 cities and towns kicked-off a year of youth-led service with Project 351 last Saturday. This year’s Class includes Ella Golec, an eighth grader at Westfield Middle School representing Westfield, MA.
Jesse McMillan, Principal of Westfield Middle School, nominated Ella to represent the school community. McMillan shared, “As President of the National Junior Honor Society at Westfield Middle School, Ella leads by example through academic excellence while fostering a culture of service. NJHS emphasizes not just grades, but character, leadership, and community involvement - showing her dedication to being a well-rounded change maker who lifts up others. In addition, her role on Principal's Council reflects her willingness to be a voice for her fellow students and work constructively with school leadership to improve the school community. This position requires diplomacy, active listening, and the ability to represent diverse student perspectives - all crucial skills for creating positive change. As an avid athlete, she understands the value of teamwork, perseverance, and supporting others - qualities that align perfectly with being a change maker. The fact that she balances these multiple commitments - academics, student government, athletics, and now Project 351 - demonstrates her strong work ethic and genuine desire to make a difference in various spheres of her school and community.”
On Saturday, January 25th, Ambassadors were joined by Governor Maura Healey, Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll, Massachusetts Secretary of Education Patrick Tutwiler and other community leaders for a day of service and celebration in Boston.
“The young people who serve with Project 351 are great examples of what makes Massachusetts a leader in so many important ways,” said Governor Healey. “These Ambassadors demonstrate what is possible when we work together to make the changes we all want to see in our own communities. I’m proud to join them as they embark on this important year of leadership and service.”
Project 351, a nonprofit organization, annually unites a class of unsung heroes for a transformative year of leadership development, enrichment, and impact through unifying statewide service campaigns. This year, Project 351 celebrates its 15th year with a collective social impact on more than 1.4 million lives. Project 351’s annual Launch celebration honors the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Coretta Scott King.
"It’s inspiring to see the incredible passion of these young people at work in their schools and communities,” said Lieutenant Governor Driscoll. “With every service project that is undertaken, a ripple effect travels across the state, impacting thousands of lives and strengthening the bonds that connect us all."
Launch Day kicks-off 12 months of leadership development through Alumni mentorship and enrichment through Project 351’s Service Leadership Academy. Through Project 351, Ambassadors develop the skills and confidence to mobilize their hometowns in service campaigns that address critical issues including hunger, clothing insecurity, and educational equity.
“I first experienced Project 351’s amazing students while principal at Brighton High School,” said Secretary Tutwiler. “I continue to be impressed by these young Ambassadors and what they’re able to achieve in communities across Massachusetts. The students associated with this incredible organization will be the next generation’s leaders and they should inspire and energize all of us.”
On Launch Day, Ambassadors traveled from across the state to convene at the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum for a celebratory morning program. The program also included remarks by James Gallagher, General Counsel, John Hancock/Manulife, a founding sponsor. Wearing their signature navy tee, Ambassadors mobilized by Service Hero teams for an afternoon of service at La Colaborativa, Brighton High School, and Cradles to Crayons. In partnership with these community leaders, Ambassador service impacted more than 34,000 neighbors.
“Project 351 is powered by the idealism and ideas of 8th grade change makers,” said Carolyn Casey, Project 351 Founder and Executive Director. “As we welcome our 5,588th Ambassador, we celebrate the transformative good made possible when we unite in common cause. And we uplift the values they stand for -- kindness, compassion, and respect for the dignity of all."
About Project 351: Founded in 2011, Project 351 is a youth-led movement for change powered by an eighth-grade unsung hero and high school Alumni mentors selected to represent every city and town in Massachusetts. Youth are recognized by hometown educators for an exemplary ethic of service; values of kindness, compassion, humility, and gratitude; and devotion to equity and inclusion. The Ambassadors’ 12-month term of leadership development and service is the foundation of Project 351’s leadership model. High school, college, and career Alumni steward Project 351’s mission and model of impact as mentors, program leaders, and governance. Through the 35ONE enrichment continuum, a new generation of leaders develops the skills, knowledge, and courage to achieve bold change. For more information visit: https://project351.org/