Blake Middle School Project 351 Ambassador Connor McDermott, center, with Principal Nat Vaughn, left, and Assistant Principal Kelly Campbell. (Photo Courtesy Medfield Public Schools)
MEDFIELD — Between the leadership he displays in the classroom and initiative he takes within his Scouts troop, Blake Middle School eighth grader Connor McDermott has proven he is ready to take on the role of Medfield’s Project 351 Ambassador.
Project 351 is a youth-led statewide service organization that invites eighth grade students from each Massachusetts town and city to participate in a yearlong program dedicated to community service and leadership development.
Connor was selected by Blake teachers and faculty for his humble leadership, dependability and goodwill.
“We have had the pleasure of knowing Connor since sixth grade and throughout that time he has consistently embodied the values at the heart of Project 351: kindness, compassion, humility and gratitude,” said Principal Nat Vaughn. “In school, Connor consistently creates positive change in ways that are both quiet and powerful. He is a great friend and someone classmates can count on to maintain a positive, inclusive presence in any group.”
Connor demonstrates Project 351’s values not only in the classroom, but also through the service work he performs with his Scouts troop. He began working towards his Eagle Scout rank in seventh grade and routinely goes above and beyond expectations, going so far as to write and publish an article for the “Hometown Weekly” detailing his troop’s trip to the U.S. Virgin Islands. He used the article as an opportunity to detail troop’s visit and awards earned, highlighting his troopmates’ service efforts.
Connor joined his fellow Project 351 Ambassadors for the program’s annual kick-off on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, in honor of King and Coretta Scott King’s legacy. Launch Day marks the beginning of a two-month commitment to leadership development and community service.
“Launch Day for Project 351 was a one-of-a-kind experience,” Connor said. “I heard a lot of ideas from other eighth graders on how we can make a difference in the community. I look forward to our spring service coming up in a few weeks and making the world a better place.”
During his year of service, Connor will work with his Project 351 peers across the state to develop leadership skills and create meaningful change. Ambassadors will then bring what they learned back to their schools, where they will each design and execute an individual service project targeting a local area of need.
After the year ends, ambassadors are welcomed into Project 351’s alumni community to receive mentorship and support throughout high school and beyond.
Looking ahead, the faculty who nominated Connor are excited to see him grow throughout his year of service.
“Our hope for Connor’s Ambassador year is that he continues to grow as a leader beyond the classroom setting. We want him to see that his quiet, empathetic leadership is powerful, needed and deeply impactful,” said Principal Vaughn. “We hope he has the opportunity to connect with other student leaders who share his commitment to service, gaining valuable experiences and broadening his positive influence on the community. Connor is exactly the type of young person who will not only benefit from Project 351, but also enrich it.”
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