Jackson Olander, an eighth grader from the Andrews Middle School, and Sophia Hernandez-Escorihuela, an eighth grader from the McGlynn Middle School, were selected as Medford’s Project 351 Ambassadors.
They will join other young leaders from across the Commonwealth for the annual Launch and Service Day in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. These students join eighth graders representing every city and town in Massachusetts for a transformational year of service, leadership development, and civic engagement. Since 2011, 3,381 eighth graders have engaged as Ambassadors, serving more than 720,000 neighbors through youth-led statewide service campaigns.
Launch Day will convene Project 351’s tenth Class of Ambassadors for a day of service and leadership to honor the legacy of Dr. King. More than 370 eighth grade unsung heroes will unite for enrichment, celebration, and team-based service across Boston. Governor Charlie Baker, First Lady Lauren Baker, and Lt. Governor Karyn Polito will join the Morning Celebration at Faneuil Hall, as Ambassadors kick-off their year of leadership development and service.
Jackson and Sophia were selected to represent Medford for their inspiring ethic of service and the values of kindness, compassion, humility, and gratitude.
According to Principal Downs, “Jackson Olander is an outgoing student that has taken the lead on issues at the Andrews Middle School in a respectful manner. He led by example on civic discourse this year and was able to get many students to get involved in the process.
According to Principal Tucci, “Sophia Hernandez Escorihuela is a compassionate leader that other students gravitate towards. Sophia is unique in that she cares about the world beyond her school, her neighborhood and her country.”
“As Project 351 celebrates our first decade of service, we draw inspiration from our young Medford leaders who demonstrate the unlimited potential of young people in service. And, who — by their example of devotion to cause greater than self — serve as a catalyst for hope, unity, and transformative impact in the lives of our most vulnerable neighbors”, said Carolyn Casey, executive director and founder of Project 351. “Our Ambassadors are leaders, dreamers and doers. We are grateful for their inspiring efforts to uplift and unite communities. And, proud of their commitment to further strengthen the courage, compassion, and capabilities to lead change as Ambassadors.”