MATTAPOISETT — Superintendent Michael S. Nelson, Principal Michael Devoll, Guidance Director Lauren Millette and Assistant Superintendent of Teaching and Learning Shari Fedorowicz are pleased to share recent activities of ORR’s Project 351 & Playbook Initiative student influencers.
On Dec. 2, Director Millette, who leads Project 351 work in the districts, Assistant Superintendent Fedorowicz, and high school students Quinn Chisholm and Molly Wronski attended the Playbook Summit at the Auerbach Center in Boston, which served as the kick-off training for this year’s Playbook Leadership Teams.
The Leadership Summit kicked off the fifth season of the Playbook Initiative and aimed to inspire and prepare high school trainers to lead with excellence. The training was led by young people who shared their own experiences around sense of belonging. Attendees also participated in workshops around student leadership, inclusion, goal setting and collaboration.ORR was also recognized as a model for implementation and impact, and Director Millette and Assistant Superintendent Fedorowicz led a “best practices” information session with educators who are preparing for the Playbook workshops in their own districts.
Jrue Holiday, Boston Celtic, humanitarian and co-founder with his wife, Lauren, of the JLH Social Impact Fund; former Celtic Dana Barros; and Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll were also present at the Summit and shared their support.
“It was truly a special day. Everyone left the Auerbach Center inspired, connected and full of hope,” Director Millette said. “We are grateful to be a part of the Playbook Initiative and couldn’t be more thankful for the support that we have from Project 351, the Boston Celtics organization, and the Massachusetts Association of School Superintendents. I am looking forward to the leadership of Molly Wronski and Quinn Chisholm as they begin their training to facilitate the workshops for our Spring season alongside the veteran influencers of our workshops.”
The Summit kicked off three months of training, community-building and collaboration in the participating districts. Wronski and Chisholm now also begin their training to facilitate workshops for the spring season alongside veteran student influencers.
The December Summit follows additional training and leadership exercises completed by Project 351 & Playbook Initiative students to prepare for the spring season.
On Nov. 6, Old Rochester Regional High School hosted Barros who visited over 135 students in grades 4-12 as they engaged in a Project 351 Playbook Initiative Workshop. Barros was introduced by seventh-grader Sam Long before speaking to students about leadership, working to their potential, never giving up on their dreams, and living every day to make a difference. Students were then able to ask questions about Barros’ basketball career and philanthropic efforts, as well as how they could apply his positive attitude and outlook to their own lives.
On Nov. 7, ORR’s Project 351 Student Influencers led a session for faculty in collaboration with staff from the Project 351 Playbook Initiative. The event was a working session on the power of students and their ability to impact change and design intervention tools to best support school culture.
Come January, Project 351 will hold its annual Launch Day, held in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Coretta Scott King and in celebration of the new eighth-grade Ambassador Class. This year’s Project 351 Ambassadors from Old Rochester Regional Junior High School are:
Zoe Motta of Mattapoisett
About Zoe, social studies teacher Sarah Makein said: “Zoe is a standout student who not only excels in the classroom but also actively participates in various extracurricular activities at school as a student-athlete. Her welcoming demeanor and kind attitude make her a joy to interact with, and I am confident that she will use her leadership skills to drive positive changes within our community. Zoe truly goes the extra mile!”
James Devoll of Marion
About James, Director Millette said: “James is a quiet leader — one who does not demand credit for his efforts to enhance our school community. Several students have remarked on his positive impact on them this year as he has stepped in to make sure that everyone feels safe, included and knows that they matter. James does a lot of behind-the-scenes work, where he pays attention to what others need and just steps in to help. Although James is not boastful in what he does to help make the community better, it is important for him to know that his efforts do not go unnoticed. Involved in sports and extracurricular activities, James has influence and impact inside and out of school.”
Sadie Hartley Matteson of Rochester.
About Sadie, Makein said: “Sadie’s positive attitude, dedication to her academics, and commitment to being the best version of herself, radiates in all aspects of her life. Her mature and welcoming disposition, coupled with her passion for serving others, is sure to leave a lasting impression on anyone she meets. Sadie’s leadership skills and school spirit will leave a lasting impact on the ORR school community.”
Each year, Project 351 honors Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s life and legacy by convening a new class of Ambassadors, selected by hometown educators, who embrace the responsibility to lead with a determination to make a difference. Launch Day unites the new class of Ambassadors and kicks off a transformative year of service and leadership.
About Project 351 and the Playbook Initiative:
Project 351 seeks to develop the next generation of community-first service leaders through customized service learning, hands-on community-building, and values-based leadership training. Annually, Ambassadors from each of the 351 cities and towns in Massachusetts are selected by hometown educators for their exemplary ethic of service and the values of kindness, compassion, humility, and gratitude.
Over the last decade, Boston Celtic players and Project 351 Alumni have joined Ambassadors in service, offering essential lessons in leadership and community building. In spring 2019, the partnership expanded in support of the Playbook Initiative. Playbook reflects a shared set of values and a common vision for strong, just, and inclusive communities.
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