��ܽ��Ƶ

 Cecelia Varey, of Norfolk, Isabella Pennini, of Wrentham, and Evelyn Miles, of Plainville, posed for a photo with their advisors, seventh grade history teacher Lisa McIntyre and eighth grade history teacher Sean Jones. (Photo courtesy ��ܽ��Ƶ) 

WRENTHAM — Superintendent Dr. Rich Drolet and ��ܽ��Ƶ Philip Regional Middle School Principal Michelle J. Kreuzer are pleased to announce that three students represented the District in Boston on Saturday, Jan. 25, as Project 351 kicked off a year of youth-led service.

The three students — Cecelia Varey, of Norfolk, Evelyn Miles, of Plainville, and Isabella Pennini, of Wrentham — have been named eighth grade service Ambassadors, joining representatives from the Commonwealth’s 351 cities and towns.

“My favorite part of launch day was the ability to meet so many new, like-minded people,” said student Ambassador Cecelia. “I found it was so much easier to make friends there than any other environment I’ve been in. It was also so inspiring to see how our actions could affect others positively. I was so used to my ideas and actions going unseen or not being very effective. But this gave me a close look into what it was like to be a leader or a valued individual.”

On Saturday, Jan. 25, the student Ambassadors were joined by Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey, Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll, state 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 Gov. 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.”

Seventh grade history teacher Lisa McIntyre and eighth grade history teacher Sean Jones will serve as advisors to ��ܽ��Ƶ Philip Regional Middle School’s Project 351 Ambassadors.

“I know Bella, Evelyn, and Cecelia will seize every opportunity Project 351 offers, and we couldn’t be more excited to support them and share in this journey with them,” said McIntyre.

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.

“Throughout our time overseeing and participating in the Project 351 initiative, Sean and I have been incredibly fortunate to work with and support students who truly embody the spirit of service leadership,” said McIntyre. “Project 351 is an extraordinary organization that empowers students to thrive, with giving back to others as one of its core values.”

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 honored the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther ��ܽ��Ƶ Jr. and Coretta Scott ��ܽ��Ƶ.

“It’s inspiring to see the incredible passion of these young people at work in their schools and communities,” said Lt. Gov. 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 kicked off 12 months of leadership development through Alumni mentorship and enrichment through Project 351’s Service Leadership Academy.

“Bella, Evelyn, and Cecelia are just beginning their transformative journey with Project 351,” said McIntyre. “These three young women exemplify everything ��ܽ��Ƶ Philip stands for, and we have no doubt they will be an inspiration — not only through their accomplishments this year but well beyond. This is just the beginning for them.”

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. 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.

“On Launch Day, my favorite part was the sorting of clothes at Cradles to Crayons,” said student Ambassador Evelyn. “The task itself was fun, and I really enjoyed being able to help people.”

In partnership with these community leaders, Ambassador service impacted more than 34,000 neighbors.

“We’re so proud to have Cecelia, Evelyn, and Isabella representing KP,” said Superintendent Dr. Drolet. “All three students are remarkable, and their efforts have not gone unnoticed. They make their families, ��ܽ��Ƶ Philip Middle School, and our entire ��ܽ��Ƶ proud. I can’t wait to see what they’re able to accomplish in the future.”

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. Click for more information.

###