From left, Graci Gibbs, Agawam Junior High School. Ashlynn Fennell, West Springfield Middle School.
Reminder Publishing photos by Mike Lydick
Two eighth graders — one from Agawam and the other from West Springfield — are among more than 300 teens from around the state who will engage in what has been called “an awe-inspiring” youth-led movement for change through community service.
Graci Gibbs, who attends Agawam Junior High School, and Ashlynn Fennell, a student at West Springfield Middle School, are the 2026 “ambassadors” for their communities for a program known as Project 351. During their one-year terms, they, and the other ambassadors — all 8th graders from the state’s 351 towns and cities — will develop the knowledge and skills to make a positive difference in their hometowns and in the world.
Project 351 is a nonprofit organization that inspires students through the ethic of service and values of kindness, compassion, humility and gratitude. Selected each November by teachers in their schools, these students will unite in Boston on Jan. 17 to launch a transformative year of service and leadership.
This program — the only one of its kind in the country — provides a journey of service, civic engagement and leadership. Through their work, students will learn how to lead and how to help find solutions for “a more just, inclusive and equitable world.” They 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 16th year of community service that honors the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Gibbs was “very surprised” when she learned she was selected from among 240 AJHS eighth graders. “I think this program is important because it will help me build leadership skills while I’m helping other people in the community. This is a really wonderful thing for me to do,” she said.
The 13-year-old said her experience in Project 351 will help her gain new skills. “I will get leadership skills that will improve my self-confidence and help me build more positive character skills.”
Although Gibbs was unaware of Project 351 until becoming an ambassador, she has participated in clothing and food drives at AJHS. She also volunteers as a teacher assistant at the New Day Church in Agawam, working with K-4 students.
“At school we have what’s called the “Jammy Jingle” where we box up pajamas for little kids or for other people who are homeless. My work at the church has inspired me to help other people, The kids are so happy to have me and others helping them,” said Gibbs.
Antonia Moore, the AJHS teacher who serves as the Project 351 advisor, said teachers “enthusiastically” recommended Gibbs to be the new ambassador. Moore added that Gibbs would benefit from being a part of the program as much as they would benefit from having her.
“Graci is a poised, empathetic young woman who carries herself with exceptional maturity for her age. She remains focused on her goals, regardless of the ‘nonsense’ a typical eighth grader may be tempted to be pulled into. Graci is so patient with herself and others. Project 351 offers her the opportunity to amplify both her voice and impact,” said Moore.
Moore said Gibbs is “a remarkable, quiet leader” who leads by example, and is always a participant: raising her hand in class, dressing up for School Spirit days and speaking up when she notices something isn’t right.
Gibbs said she’s looking forward to contributing to making her community and the world a better place to live in. “I’m eager to start a project, because I want to help other people and I want to be a good leader. I want to learn more about how I can bring some community service projects back to Agawam,” she said.
Fennell believes it’s important for young people to engage in community service projects. “It teaches us to have self-discipline and not just be selfish for ourselves. We can definitely learn a lot of life lessons through community service at a young age. It also can make us more aware of different actions we can take to help others,” said Fennell.
The 14-year-old was filled with “suspense and excitement” when she was named ambassador. Fennell said she felt honored to be chosen from among the school’s 285 eighth graders.
It’s also a double honor for Fennell. She’s following in the footsteps of her older sister who was the WSMS Project 351 ambassador as an eighth grader about 10 years ago. “My parents are very proud of me, but I feel they’re also proud to have two daughters who became ambassadors. It’s quite an honor for them,” said Fennell.
Melissa Royer, the WSMS counselor who is Fennell’s Project 351 advisor, said she wasn’t aware that Fennell’s sister served in the program. “It makes me think that while Ashlynn was the best candidate, clearly her parents are doing something right by raising two very kind, nice and caring daughters,” she said.
Royer said she selected Fennell because she consistently demonstrates leadership, empathy and a maturity that rivals her peers. “Ashlynn is respectful, responsible and willing to step up to support others, both in and out of the classroom. Ashlynn always contributes meaningfully and offers her perspectives with such grace. I’m confident she will represent our school with integrity and positively contribute to Project 351’s mission of youth leadership and community impact.”
Like Gibbs, Fennel is looking forward to stepping into her leadership role. “Being a leader means having a good attitude. You have to stay positive. You can’t let that bring you down — people look up to people who stay positive through rough times. They look up for that sense of hope,” she added.
Fennell is already thinking about the many “fun and different” community services she could develop with other youths to help the West Springfield community. “Project 351’s leaders are amazing thinkers who each year bring together different kids with unique qualities who want to make a difference — and that’s an amazing thing.”
