Left: Anna Auger, Agawam Junior High School. Right: Aria Valenti, West Springfield Middle School.
Reminder Publishing photos by Mike Lydick
Two teens — one from Agawam and one from West Springfield — are among a new class of eighth graders from around the state who will engage in a youth-led community service program.
Anna Auger, who attends Agawam Junior High School, and Aria Valenti, a student at West Springfield Middle School, are among the latest group of students who will represent the state’s 351 towns and cities as the 2025 “ambassadors” to Project 351.
Project 351 is a nonprofit organization that inspires students through the ethic of service and values of kindness, compassion, humility and gratitude. Selected in November by teachers in their schools, these students will unite in Boston on Jan. 25 to launch a transformative year of service and leadership. This kickoff event will include a day of celebration and service projects in the state’s capital.
The Project 351 model — the only one of its kind in the country – provides a journey of service, civic engagement and leadership for the eighth graders. Through their work with the nonprofit, they will learn how to lead and how to help find solutions for a more just, inclusive and equitable world. Students also will lead three service projects in their hometowns later in the year.
Gov. Maura Healey and Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll are expected to meet with the ambassadors — also known as “unsung heroes” for their unselfish work in helping to lead social change. Project 351 is embarking on its 15th year of community service that honors the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Being named an ambassador to Project 351 came as a complete shock to Auger, who was chosen from among 284 AJHS eighth graders. “I was very surprised and happy,” said the 13-year-old of her reaction when she got the news. “I had no idea I was going to be involved in helping people. I’m excited that I will doing this project.”
Auger said she was unaware of Project 351 until becoming an ambassador. She now has a better understanding of how important it can be to creating social change. “I feel that everyone should have the same opportunities for a better future, regardless of their circumstances.”
AJHS Principal Norm Robbins said Auger is a “silent leader” who is involved in a number of activities at the school, including the Conservation Club. Auger also has been part of the Drama Club’s stage crew and a member of the swim team.
Lisa Wolfe, a STEM teacher who serves as advisor to the club, said Auger is the type of individual who likes to serve her community. “Anna’s taken on a leadership role in the club and has spent significant time during the last school year helping with the club’s project. Although Anna is not my student, it is apparent that she cares about her education. Anna is responsible and ready to take on the role of Project 351 ambassador.”
Auger said it’s important that students participate in community service like the Conservation Club or Project 351. “Students and adults should get involved in community service to help to make positive changes in the world. Community service can not only affect people’s lives but it also can help to improve the environment,” she said.
The Project 351 experience, said Auger, will “definitely” fuel her desire to do more to help people while also trying to figure out new and creative ways she can do that as a leader.
As the WSMS Project 351 ambassador, Aria Valenti said she will try her best to give back to the community. “I think it’s very good to give back to the community. It just makes me feel good to be part of something like Project 351.”
Chosen from the school’s 320 eighth graders, Valenti said it’s important for students her age to step in to be leaders and learn how they can help others around them. Valenti credits her parents for inspiring her to volunteer outside of school. She said they like to volunteer and help out in the community as much as they can. “I learned about the value of volunteering from them.”
The National Junior Honor Society member is an avid horseback rider who volunteers at 4-H and equestrian events. She often volunteers to help her parents at swim meets at the high school. They do technical work with swimmers while she volunteers at the concessions stand.
The 14-year-old said one of her goals as a Project 351 ambassador is learning new ways to give back to the community.
“There are many ways to help out, so I’m hopeful I can learn different — more creative — ways to benefit everyone in the community,” she said.
One of Valenti’s teachers said her “modest and dedicated” approach to everything she does exhibits the kind of leadership that shows she is “destined for greatness.”
Julie Rohan, an eighth-grade counselor at WSMS, said another teacher wrote that Valenti possesses a “special kind of humility and kindness” — in and out of the classroom.
“Aria’s genuine gratitude for her friends and teachers is ever apparent. Her quiet yet positive attitude is contagious and helps to create incredible learning situations amongst her peers. She prioritizes the well-being of others and is humble when it comes to her success as a student and a maturing teen,” said the teacher.
Both students said they are excited about beginning their 12-month leadership journey with other eighth graders. “I’m looking forward to being able to help people, finding other kids who also enjoy doing that and making new friends, said Auger.
Valenti added, “It’s definitely an honor to be chosen to part of this program. I’m looking forward to accomplishing some good things as an ambassador.”
