Wareham High School student Donavyn Dejesus was named an eighth-grade service Ambassador for Project 351. (Photo courtesy Wareham Public Schools)
WAREHAM — Superintendent Matt D’Andrea and Principal Scott Palladino are proud to announce that Wareham eighth grader Donavyn Dejesus represented Wareham Public Schools in Boston on Jan. 25 as part of the annual kickoff for Project 351, a statewide youth-led service initiative.
Donavyn was selected as Wareham’s Project 351 Ambassador, joining eighth grade representatives from each of Massachusetts’ 351 cities and towns for a year of leadership development and community service.
On Saturday, Jan. 25, Ambassadors gathered at the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum in Boston for Project 351’s annual Launch Day. They were joined by Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey, Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll, Secretary of Education Patrick Tutwiler, and other community leaders for a day of inspiration and volunteer service.
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 civil rights leaders Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Coretta Scott King.
For Donavyn, the experience was both humbling and inspiring.
“It was exciting, and I was proud to be chosen out of everyone in the eighth grade,” she said. “I had never heard of Project 351 before, but I’ve learned so much about teamwork and how much of an impact we can make when we come together to help others.”
During Launch Day, Donavyn and her fellow Ambassadors participated in several service projects, such as assembling wellness kits for newborns and distributing food to families in need, including poor families and recent immigrants. She described the experience as eye-opening.
“You hear about people who are struggling, but when you’re there, handing out food, seeing the people and families waiting in line in the cold, it really changes your perspective,” Donavyn said. “It was a really cool experience to be part of something bigger than myself.”
Wearing their signature navy T-shirts, other ambassadors were mobilized to help provide service at partner sites, including Brighton High School, Cradles to Crayons in Newton and La Colaborativa in Chelsea. In total, the day of service helped more than 34,000 community members.
The day concluded with a celebration at the JFK Museum. The Ambassadors enjoyed food from a grilled cheese bar, a popcorn bar, and a punch station. The Ambassadors gathered there reflected on their efforts and were told about how many lives they impacted through their day of service — thousands in just a few hours.
The Launch Day celebrations 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.
Principal Palladino applauded Donavyn and spoke about the potential for her role as Ambassador to promote meaningful service opportunities back home in Wareham.
“Not only is Donavyn representing Wareham on a statewide level, but she’s also bringing back what she’s learned to make a difference in our own community,” Principal Palladino said. “She’s modest about it, but this is a prestigious honor, and I’m looking forward to seeing how she applies her passion for service here at home.”
Looking ahead, Donavyn hopes to focus on certain causes, such as helping newcomers to this country who may be struggling to adjust.
“I didn’t realize how hard it is for people coming from other countries until I learned about it more last weekend at Launch Day,” she said. “I want to take what I’ve learned and do something to help.”
To other students who may be curious about Project 351 and getting involved, Donavyn provided a simple assessment of youth-led volunteer service: “It feels good to give back.”
Throughout the 15-year history of Project 351, the youth-led service program has enlisted 5,588 youth Ambassadors, including many eighth graders.
“Project 351 is powered by the idealism and ideas of eighth grade change-makers,” said Project 351 Founder and Executive Director Carolyn Casey. “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.”
Superintendent Matt D’Andrea thanked Donavyn for her youth leadership efforts.
“We are incredibly proud of her for representing Wareham with compassion and dedication,” Superintendent D’Andrea said. “I have no doubt that she will take the lessons and experiences from Project 351 and use them to make a meaningful impact in our community.”
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.
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