REGION —Knox Trail Middle School's Project 351 ambassadors recently joined fellow representatives from throughout the state at a service program.
Tyler Josti (East Brookfield) and Irelyn Padden (Spencer) were chosen by KTMS staft members as ambassadors for the annual statewide program.
During Launch Day activities held last month in Greater Boston, they worked with other student leaders to support multiple programs that give back to the community.
"As their Project 351 advisor; I am so impressed with their dedication and commitment to this program,'
" said KTMS teacher
Samantha Raphael. "They came back from Launch Day energized and excited to be a part of the program."
Each year, 351 eighth graders one for every city and town in the Commonwealth-travel to Boston and represent their communities through participation in service projects.
Established in 2011, the Project 351 initiative brings together students who share a passion for giving back, helping those in need, and working with teams. Their leadership has inspired classmates and younger students to get involved as well.
During last month's day of service, Josti enjoyed distributing food at La Colaborativa, a Chelsea-based organization that supports vulnerable community members.
"It was exciting to meet new people. It was fun to go out and help people during our service project," Josti said. "I learned that there are a lot more people like me who want to help others and be a better version of them-selves."
Padden and her groupmates worked with Cradles to Crayons, an organization impacting thousands of community members each year.
"I felt inspired to keep being a better person," Padden said of her Launch Day activities. "Imade new friends and had fun meeting new people. I learned that not everyone is as privileged as I am, and doing service helps others."
Looking ahead, the students will use their experiences as Project 351 ambassadors to broaden their efforts to help the community. They are also excited to serve as mentors to younger students - eager to learn about ways to give back.
"These two students amaze me with their commitment to not only their schooling, but to helping others. We definitely have some future leaders with these two," Raphael told the New Leader.
Spencer-East Brookfield Regional School District leaders congratulate the students on their accomplishments. Officials look forward to seeing the students take the next steps in their community service journeys.
"Our current Knox Trail Middle School eighth graders from
Spencer and East Brookfield, as well as our Project 351 alumni, have exemplified leadership and service every step of the way," said SEBRSD Superintendent Paul Haughey. "I am super proud of our district's ambassadors, past and present, who have exemplified leadership through service projects aimed at lifting others up in our community." State leaders congratulate all Project 351 ambassadors who represented their communities during the day of service.
"Project 351 ambassadors are more than just youth leaders. Together, they represent an unstoppable movement for positive change," said Gov.
Maura Healey. "These ambassadors, who all bring different backgrounds and experiences, serve as a reminder that we are a stronger state when we work together to solve problems."
During the day of ser-vice, ambassadors listen to guest speakers before fanning out across the city in support of community organizations.
In addition to the Project 351 day of service, ambassadors also spend a year leading community projects in their respective towns.
Additional service opportunities for ambassadors include alumni mentorship, enrichment programs, and participation in Project 351's Service Leadership Academy.
To date, Project 351 has featured more than 5,000 youth ambassadors who combined to assist over 1.3 million people.
To learn more about how Project 351 is helping the community while bringing together the next generation of leaders, visit www.project351.org.
This article was originally published in the February 14. 2025 issue of the Spencer New Leader by Kevin Flanders, Staff Writer.