Three North Middlesex Regional School District Middle School students, representing Ashby, Pepperell, and Townsend, will serve as service ambassadors for the statewide Project 351 this year.
The Grade 8 students — Alaina Purcell of Ashby and Brooklyn Taylor of Townsend, who attend Hawthorne Brook Middle School, and Brooklyn Elzy of Pepperell, who attends Nissitissit Middle School — attended the Project 351 kickoff at the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum in Boston on Jan. 25.
Launch Day kicked off 12 months of leadership development through Alumni mentorship and enrichment through Project 351’s Service Leadership Academy.
Project 351 is a statewide community service project that brings an eighth grader from all 351 cities and towns together on one day to perform a service project. Throughout the year, ambassadors will participate in leadership development and enrichment, and work toward positive impact in their home community.
During March, the NMRSD students will lead a clothing drive for Cradles to Crayons, a national non-profit that provides those living in homeless or low-income situations with the essential items they need to thrive.
“Brooklyn is an outstanding student who excels in her classes and demonstrates a strong work ethic,” Nissitissit Principal Lauren Young said. “She is actively involved in our theatre program, participating in all school productions and festival plays. Additionally, she is a member of the NMS Choir and volunteers with the Pepperell Community Arts program.”
Purcell and Taylor are members of Hawthorne Brook’s Student Council Cabinet. Taylor is also an active participant in theater productions and choir.
“We are so proud to have both of these students representing Hawthorne Brook. These students have done so much for both our school, and our community as a whole. We look forward to watching them grow as leaders. I am certain that as adults, these young women will be a formidable force,” said Hawthorne Brook Principal Chantele Olmstead.
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 here for more information.