Last weekend more than 300 student ambassadors from cities and towns across Massachusetts came together at the State House for a Town Hall Meeting with Governor Deval Patrick and Lieutenant Governor Timothy Murray before spreading out to various service sites throughout the Boston area. Three Masconomet Middle School students participated including Anne Messenger of Boxford, Johanna Lara of Topsfield and Will Erickson of Middleton.
Project 351, launched during Governor Patrick’s inaugural in 2010, is dedicated to celebrating youth leadership and inspiring the ethic of service.
The students spent last Saturday volunteering at four Boston-area service sites to honor the legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr. andimpact thousands of children, families and seniors facing economic challenges. “I am proud to meet such wonderful students whose dedication to service can make Massachusetts a better place,” said Governor Patrick. “It is a privilege to visit the service sites with the ambassadors and see them honor Dr. King with a day committed to enriching our community.”
The eighth graders participating were selected from the 351 towns and cities in Massachusetts for their dedication to service.
Lt. Gov. Murray praised the dedication of the ambassadors, who embody the same spirit of generosity as Dr. King. “With many individuals and families in need, it is encouraging to have student ambassadors demonstrating strong community leadership by participating in Project 351,” he said. “Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. once said ‘Life’s most persistent and urgent question is: What are you doing for others,’ and through this initiative so many students are honoring his work by responding to that very question and giving back on this day of service.”
This year, Project 351 participants visited Cradles to Crayons, the Greater Boston Food Bank, the Dorchester Boys and Girls Club, and the Dr. Martin Luther King Towers in Roxbury. “Programs like Project 351 that promote civic engagement from a young age are so important to building strong neighborhoods and engaged citizens. I’m proud to see so many young people dedicating their time to these local organizations that enrich and serve our communities every day,” said Mayor Thomas M. Menino.
At each location, community partners and volunteers speak to the eighth graders about the impact of their service. “In honor of Dr. King, today emphasizes the importance of the compassion and dedication these young leaders have to serve,” said Carolyn Casey, Executive Director of Project 351. “As the students return home, they will use these lessons and inspiration to continue to impact their own communities.”