Reminder Publishing photo by Mike Lydick
Reminder Publishing photo by Mike Lydick
A statewide service program known as Project 351 is giving four local 8th graders the opportunity to participate in a year-long journey of service, civic engagement and leadership.
Through their work with this nonprofit, Diana DeSanto, Olivia Gagne and Daniiel Morrissey — from Southwick Regional School in the Southwick-Tolland-Granville Regional School District — along with Ella Golec from Westfield Middle School will learn how to help find solutions for a more just, inclusive and equitable world as “ambassadors” to Project 351.
The program’s goal is to inspire students through the ethic of service and values of kindness, compassion, humility and gratitude, The four 13-year-olds are among a new class of 8th graders who will engage in a youth-led community service program, including three projects in their own communities.
Selected to represent their communities and their schools, these ambassadors from the state’s 351 towns and cities will travel to 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 — is embarking on its 15th year of community service that honors the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Gov. Maura Healey and Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll are expected to meet with the ambassadors — also known as “unsung heroes” because of their unselfish work in helping to lead social change.
Diana DeSanto said she is excited to be part of Project 351 and to help with community service projects. “I’m proud to be involved with this program because it will make my school and community a better place. It also will look good on my college application,” said DeSanto, who lives in Tolland.
Although DeSanto volunteers as an assistant teacher at a local dance studio and has volunteered for other activities in her community, Project 351 is her first “real” community service project.
“My mom is my inspiration. She does community service and gives back with a lot of volunteer work,” she said.
DeSanto said she is looking forward to meeting new people at the kickoff event and through the various service projects during the next 12 months.
“I also want to learn new ways to help people, especially those who don’t have some of the basic necessities they need most,” she said.
Gagne likes doing community service projects and hopes to continue performing volunteer work as she gets older.
“I enjoy playing soccer, but I want to do something more than that down the road. Project 351 is a leadership program will be a good experience,” said Gagne, whose lives in Granville.
“Being part of Project 351 is a great accomplishment that will allow me to help needy people,” she added. “When they have what they need, then they can have a better life like others have.”
Diagnosed with alopecia in 2019. Gagne has lost her hair, but that hasn’t stopped her from doing the things she wants to do in her life – including being an ambassador.
“I just want people to know that even if anything in your body is wrong, you can still be who you want to be,” she said.
Gagne said she is excited about meeting different kids from around the state. “That will be cool. I’m hoping to make some new friends who are my age and who are also in eighth grade.”
One of Morrissey’s favorite proverbs is to treat others the way you want to be treated.
“My dad taught me that and he’s inspired my interest in community service. He’s encouraged me to donate to food pantries and to donate toys at Christmas to needy kids. Project 351 will be another way I can support those who are in need,” he said.
He and his two classmates were selected for Project 351 from their school’s 115 eigth graders.
“I was both excited and surprised. There are so many other kids in my class who also would be qualified,” he said.
Morrissey lives in Springfield but attends SRS because both his parents teach in the district. Representing Southwick and his school for Project 351, he likes the idea of helping different communities.
“It’s an important program where I can help people in poverty or who need more food. It’ll be fun and also will teach me some leadership skills,” Morrissey said.
Golec is an avid WMS athlete who understands the importance of teamwork — which will help her as a Project 351 ambassador.
“It’ll be a good opportunity to meet new people and help communities,” said the Westfield native who was chosen from among the 358 students in her class. “There will be lots of other students like me who want to be leaders. Project 351 will connect me with people who can push me into becoming a better leader.”
When the principal called her to his office to tell her about becoming the ambassador, Golec thought she might be in trouble.
“I was surprised when he told me about Project 351. I had no idea what it was,” she said.
At home, she and her mother explored the Project 351 website.” When I saw pictures of teenagers doing many hands-on projects together, I realized what a great opportunity it will be. I enjoy working with partners at my school, so I’m looking forward the most to working with other people.”
