Old Rochester Regional School District and MA Superintendency Union #55 Superintendent Michael S. Nelson and Principal Silas Coellner are proud to announce that three students represented the District in Boston on Saturday, January 25, as Project 351 kicked off a year of youth-led service.
The three students – Genevieve Hebert of Mattapoisett, Sophie Zhou of Marion, and Esther Smith of Rochester – have been named eighth-grade service Ambassadors, joining representatives from the Commonwealth’s 351 cities and towns.
“We’re so proud to have Genevieve, Sophie, and Esther representing us at the state level for Project 351,” said Superintendent Nelson. “All three students have stellar academic records, and we’re certain they will leave a lasting impact on our communities.”
On Saturday, January 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.”
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.
“Project 351 is an incredible opportunity for our students to learn about service and leadership,” said Principal Coellner. “Genevieve, Sophie, and Esther are all excellent students, and they will surely represent us well during this year-long campaign to better communities across the Commonwealth.”
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 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 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. 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. 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.”