Governor Patrick Challenges Project 351 Students to 'Pass it On'

WORCESTER - This past Saturday, Gov. Deval Patrick joined over 170 high school students from across Massachusetts, including Mansfield's David Bogdan, for an ambitious day of service learning and leadership training at the College of the Holy Cross.

Bogdan was also recognized last year for his participation in the .

The youth ambassadors, representing the Commonwealth's 351 cities and towns, served with Gov. Patrick in January of 2011 and 2012 respectively at the launch of their year of service. Ambassadors serve for a calendar year bridging the eighth and ninth grade.

Leadership reunion participants began the day with a town hall meeting and panel discussion with Gov. Patrick and local service leaders. Students had the opportunity to learn from panelists' experiences and "report back" on projects they have been leading in their own communities.

Panelists included Andy Husbands, award-winning chef and owner of Boston restaurants Tremont 647 and Sister Sorel and board member of Share Our Strength's Operation Frontline; Riley Carney, 19-year-old college student, published author and founder of the organization Breaking the Chain; and Bonnie Monahan, Chief Financial Officer of Margaritas Mexican Restaurant and co-founder of the Granite State Quest cycling fundraiser for pediatric cancer.

In the afternoon, students participated in leadership training sessions with fellow Ambassadors from their county. Students, led by volunteer coaches, worked as a team to identify challenges, determine best practices and create their own individual service missions to help increase their impact as volunteers in their community.

Project 351 Ambassadors are challenged to participate in four local impact days of service throughout the year. Students may choose to perform their own acts of service or join Ambassadors across the state through participation in a unity project. In April, Ambassadors from over 60 communities led local "Spring Greening" efforts to collect gently used clothing and items for Cradles to Crayons. This September, Ambassadors will honor the anniversary of Sept. 11 in partnership with Boston Cares and the Massachusetts Military Heroes Fund. Students will host community product drives for care packages to send to military serving abroad or lead patriotic service in tribute to military and veterans.

"It was incredible to reunite with the Ambassadors for Project 351's first leadership reunion," said Gov. Patrick. "Project 351 is designed to inspire, challenge and motivate our next generation of leaders to give back and make a significant impact in the community. I am proud of the Ambassadors' dedication and I charge them to pass on that spirit of service."

Said Carolyn Casey, Executive Director of Project 351. "The Leadership Reunion celebrated the Ambassadors' impact to date and commitment to continued service, while providing tools, enrichment and connection with a community of peer leaders. Together, our Ambassadors and those they engage in service will help strengthen their communities and our Commonwealth."

The leadership reunion was staffed by volunteers and made possible by the strength and dedication of Project 351 partners: Cradles to Crayons, Citizen Schools, City Year, Eli J. Segal Citizen Leadership Fellows at Brandeis University, Massachusetts Military Heroes Fund, Massachusetts Non Profit Network, Massachusetts Service Alliance and Playworks.

Project 351 is an independent non-profit dedicated to celebrating youth leadership, inspiring the ethic of service, and uniting the Commonwealth through an annual class of youth ambassadors. The organization was launched during Gov. Deval Patrick's 2011 inaugural when more than 400 youth ambassadors united to serve, develop leadership skills and discuss issues critical to young people and their communities.

Ambassadors are chosen based on their exemplary service ethic and spirit of generosity and are nominated by education leaders in their home town. Governor Patrick serves as Project 351's honorary chair.