Westfield’s Project 351 Ambassador Allie Masciadrelli. (Photo submitted)
WESTFIELD – While most Western Mass residents were busy with storm and game preparations on Saturday, hundreds of eighth graders from around the state gathered in Boston for the launch of Project 351 for Martin Luther King Day. Representing Westfield this year as Project 351 Ambassador is Westfield Middle School eighth grader Allie Masciadrelli.
Project 351 is an independent nonprofit organization started by Gov. Deval Patrick and continued by Gov. Charles Baker that builds a movement of youth-led service by engaging an unsung hero from each of Massachusetts’ 351 cities and towns. Ambassadors are invited to “unite, act, and lead” for 12 months of inspirational service, empowering leadership training, and teamwork with a statewide network of friends.
Allie said at the MLK launch in Faneuil Hall Saturday, the students learned all about Project 351 and what they do. She said they spoke a lot about Coretta Scott King during the program. “She was an activist for everybody, who just wanted to help,” she said.
Project 351 launch in Faneuil Hall on Saturday brought together students from around the state. (Photo submitted)
Also addressing the students was new Congresswoman and former Boston City Councilor Ayanna Pressley, who defeated ten-term Rep. Michael Capuano to represent the seventh district in the last election. “I loved how she’s so empowering,” Allie said. She said Pressley talked to the students about the election process and of her service on the City Council.
The program was hosted by Governor Charles Baker and his wife Lauren Baker. Allie said before sending the students off for a day of community service in Boston, the Governor talked to them about how much the program impacts people’s lives, and how proud he was of them for participating.
Lauren Baker joined them at the Service Village for their service projects. Allie got to work with the Governor’s wife on making blankets for a homeless shelter, and valentines for veterans. She said another group made care packages for kids in a homeless shelter, but she did not work on those.
She said Lauren Baker also expressed how proud she was that the student ambassadors are able to help in the community.
Governor Baker addresses Project 351 student ambassadors in Faneuil Hall on Saturday. (Photo submitted)
At the end of the day, which was abbreviated due to the impending snowstorm, the students were invited to lead a spring service project for Cradles for Crayons, a non-profit organization that provides homeless and low-income children from birth to age 12 with the essentials they require to thrive. Allie said she hopes to do her project for Westfield.
Last year, at North Middle School, Allie received the Blue Skies Award, in recognition of always wanting to help everybody, no matter who they are. This year, when she was nominated as a Project 351 Ambassador at her new school, Westfield Middle School, she said, “I wanted to learn more about the project.”
In addition to doing a spring service project for Cradles for Crayons, Project 351 Ambassadors are called to participate in a local Memorial Day tribute on behalf of the Governor, and to read an official proclamation. Also in May, ambassadors and alumni gather again in Boston to launch the second half of their service year.
The students also participate in local tributes on September 11, and help to create care packages for active duty service members and veterans struggling with homelessness. In December, they end their year by holding food drives for local food pantries. Allie said in December, they can also renew to become an alumni Ambassador, and continue to go to the Boston reunions.
Allie said she wanted to participate, because she really wants to help out in the community. “I like to help other kids,” she said.
