Eighth grader Keegan Robinson (standing on the right, in back) has been selected as Attleboro’s 2025 service ambassador for Project 351. (Photo courtesy Attleboro Public Schools)
ATTLEBORO — Superintendent David Sawyer and Wamsutta Middle School Principal Kevin Atkinson are pleased to share that eighth grader Keegan Robinson has been selected as Attleboro’s service ambassador for Project 351.
Keegan represented Attleboro in Boston on Saturday, Jan. 25, as Project 351 kicked off a year of youth-led service.
“Keegan is an amazing human being,” said Laura DeSimone, Wamsutta Middle School Grades 7-8 Math Teacher. “I had the pleasure of teaching Keegan in the accelerated math class last year. He is an eager learner, a kind and empathetic person, and often assisted others in class whenever they needed help.”
DeSeimone will serve as Keegan’s mentor as he contributes to Project 351 service initiatives throughout the year.
“Keegan always participated in class activities and was quick to volunteer for anything that came up in class,” said DeSimone. “I can’t wait to see what Keegan decides to do when he grows up — he will certainly be someone who collaborates for the common good.”
Project 351 is a statewide community service project that brings an eighth grader from all 351 cities and towns in the Commonwealth together on one single day to perform a service project.
“Launch Day was amazing for the following reasons,” Keegan said. “I was able to meet many new and inspiring people along with making a difference for others that day. As soon as I got on the bus, each person I met was very kind and welcoming.”
On Jan. 25, the Commonwealth’s 351 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.
“Keegan contributes greatly to the Wamsutta Middle School community,” said Principal Atkinson. “Thanks to his role as a Project 351 ambassador, we’ll be sharing him with the entire Commonwealth. I’m certain this experience will only strengthen his leadership role in our school, and throughout the Attleboro Public Schools.
This year, Project 351 celebrates its 15th year with a collective social impact on more than 1.4 million lives.
“My Service Project was at Brighton High School, where my team and I made food items, hygiene product bags, as well as mindfulness items for veterans who are mentally struggling,” Keegan said. “My team also made blankets, which is something I had never done before. All of these products are going to the people in the local area as well as the people who are being affected by the California wildfires.”
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.
“I am very honored to be able to be part of this community and can’t wait to start my spring service,” Keegan said. “I am honored to be representing Attleboro.”
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.
“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.”
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.
“Keegan was the perfect choice to represent Attleboro in this amazing program,” said Superintendent Sawyer. “He’s been leading in the classroom, and now he will be leading us in community service. I look forward to seeing what the future holds for this young man. I can’t wait to hear about his experiences with Project 351.”
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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