MAYNARD — For Joey Cioni, leadership doesn’t start with a title, it starts with showing up for others.
His efforts were noticed by Fowler Middle School teachers, who unanimously selected him as Maynard’s Ambassador for Project 351.
Project 351 is a youth-led service initiative that brings together eighth graders from each of Massachusetts’351 cities and towns. During the next 12 months, ambassadors such as Joey will engage in leadership development, mentorship and hands-on service projects aimed at creating meaningful change in their communities.
“Joey truly exemplifies what it means to be compassionate and humble,” said Principal Keith Kinney. “He is an excellent student and a natural-born leader who demonstrates Maynard’s core values every time he steps foot into the school.”
Joey will join fellow ambassadors at Project 351’s annual Launch Day on Saturday, Jan. 17 in Boston. Honoring the legacies of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Coretta Scott King, Launch Day will mark the beginning of Joey’s 12-month journey focused on service, civic engagement and personal growth.
Back home in Maynard, Joey is already preparing to make an impact. One of the initiatives he will lead is a community-wide clothing and show drive benefiting Cradles to Crayons, a nonprofit organization providing essential items to children in need. This initiative reflects Project 351’s mission and Joey’s kind and compassionate nature.
Project 351 has a 15-year history of elevating young voices and fostering service-minded leadership. Since its founding in 2011, the program has engaged more than 5,588 student ambassadors across the state. According to Project 351’s Founder and Executive Director Carolyn Casey, the power of the program lies in its belief in young change-makers.
“We celebrate the transformative good made possible when we unite in common cause and uplift values of kindness, compassion and respect for all,” said Casey.
After completing his year of service, Joey will be invited to join Project 351’s alumni community, where he will continue to receive mentorship and support throughout high school and beyond.
As Maynard looks ahead to the year, one thing is clear: in Joey Cioni, the town is being represented by a young leader whose commitment to service is only just beginning.
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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