Remington Middle School Student Cade Taccini Named Project 351 Ambassador for Franklin

Superintendent Lucas Giguere and Principal Craig Williams are proud to share that Remington Middle School eighth grader Cade Taccini has been selected as Franklin's Project 351 Ambassador.

Remington Middle School nominated Cade for her willingness to help whenever needed, strong leadership skills, and ability to serve as a voice of reason among her peers.

Cade Taccini Named Project 351 Ambassador for Franklin

"Cade is the first person to volunteer when she sees something that needs to be done. She completes her work with integrity, seeks to learn, and showcases her creativity and strengths," said Principal Williams. "She is an active member of our school community, and we are incredibly proud of her commitment to service."

Cade was surprised to learn she was named as the community's Project 351 Ambassador. But she was honored by the appointment.

"I thought, 'Wow. Me?' Then I felt really good about myself that my teachers and school thought I could make a difference," Cade said. 

Project 351 is a statewide youth-led service initiative that brings together eighth-grade students from every city and town in Massachusetts for a year of leadership development and community service. Ambassadors are chosen for their dedication to helping others, commitment to service, and leadership potential. 

On Jan. 25, Cade joined fellow Ambassadors from across the state at Project 351's annual Launch Day in Boston, where they participated in a day of service and leadership training.

After gathering at the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum for a morning of celebration, attended by Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey and Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll, the Project 351 Ambassadors were mobilized by Service Hero teams for an afternoon of volunteerism at La Colaborativa, Brighton High School, and Cradles to Crayons. In partnership with these community leaders, Ambassador service on Launch Day impacted more than 34,000 neighbors.

Through Project 351, Cade has already seen how small actions can create meaningful change.

"I've learned how group fundraisers can impact so many people. By doing simple things, we can make a difference," she said. "I've also learned that there are other kids out there who are willing and excited to make a better future."

This year, Project 351 celebrates its 15th year with a collective social impact on more than 1.4 million lives. Project 351's annual Launch celebration honors the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Coretta Scott King.

"Project 351 is powered by the idealism and ideas of 8th grade change makers," said Carolyn Casey, Project 351 Founder and Executive Director. "As we welcome our 5,588th Ambassador, we celebrate the transformative good made possible when we unite in common cause. And we uplift the values they stand for -- kindness, compassion, and respect for the dignity of all."

Looking ahead, Cade is eager to take what she has learned and apply it in Franklin.

"I want to show people that if we work together, we can make a big impact," Cade said. "I'm looking forward to leading my fundraiser at school and meeting other Ambassadors who want to make a difference."

Cade has been an active participant in Remington's school community, including involvement in student council and the Little Buddies program. Remington Middle School and district leaders are excited to see how she brings her Project 351 experience back to Franklin.

"Not only is Cade representing Franklin on a statewide level, but she will also be bringing back what she's learned to make a difference in our own community," said Principal Williams. "Her dedication to service sets a great example for others."

"Cade's selection as a Project 351 Ambassador is a testament to her leadership, compassion, and dedication to service," said Superintendent Lucas Giguere. "We are very proud of her commitment to making a difference, and we look forward to seeing how she uses this opportunity to positively impact Remington Middle School, Franklin, and the broader community."

About Project 351 -> https://project351.org/

Founded in 2011, Project 351 is a youth-led movement for change powered by an eighth-grade unsung hero and high school Alumni mentors selected to represent every city and town in Massachusetts. Youth are recognized by hometown educators for an exemplary ethic of service; values of kindness, compassion, humility, and gratitude; and devotion to equity and inclusion. The Ambassadors' 12-month term of leadership development and service is the foundation of Project 351's leadership model. High school, college, and career Alumni steward Project 351's mission and model of impact as mentors, program leaders, and governance. Through the 35ONE enrichment continuum, a new generation of leaders develops the skills, knowledge, and courage to achieve bold change. Click here for more information.

MASC School Committee group views video from @TeamProject351 on student experiences during pandemic

MASC-SchoolCommittee (@MASCSchoolComm) tweeted Fri, Nov 05, 2021:

Today's #MASCMASS21 general session on student voice opened with a new video featuring #MAEdu high school students describing their experiences living and learning through the pandemic.

Thank you @TeamProject351 & @UpperCapeTech!

Video => https://t.co/GzuEwqGtrg  or https://youtu.be/Y7UAG2FIhDM

Shared from Twitter: https://twitter.com/MASCSchoolComm/status/1456626353906782214

“It’s about just doing good”

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"Annie Sullivan Middle School student Brendan O’Leary has been chosen to represent Franklin for a statewide charity effort this year. 

O’Leary will serve as the town’s ambassador for Project 351, which was started in 2011 when then Gov. Deval Patrick decided to incorporate children into the fight against poverty and homelessness. 

“An eighth-grade unsung hero and quiet leader” is selected from each of the 351 towns and cities in Massachusetts, according to the project’s application. 

Beth Wittcoff, the principal at Annie Sullivan, said with his good grades and humble nature, O’Leary was recognized by his teachers because found him to be the perfect candidate to spearhead Franklin’s part of the charity drive."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20180307/franklin-student-chosen-for-project-351

for more about Project 351 visit their webpage

For more about Project 351 visit their webpage
https://www.project351.org/

Franklin Food Elves ‘12 Days of Donating’ Kicks off December 1

The Franklin Food Elves are making it easy for you to help your neighbors in need during the “12 Days of Donating” campaign benefiting the Franklin Food Pantry. From December 1 to December 12, volunteer Food Elves will be coming to your neighborhood, or you can donate goods at a local participating business.

The Franklin Food Elves is a charitable community service group made up of more than 75 hard-working middle school and high school students. For the past three years they have partnered with the Franklin Downtown Partnership and local businesses to create one of the Franklin Food Pantry’s most successful collection drives. Last year the “12 Days of Donating” campaign brought in more than $6,700 and 7,300 pounds of goods.

2014 Food Elves (L-R): Project 351 Ambassador Rebekah Redwine, YCIC's Dan Robert, Food Pantry Executive Director Erin Lynch, Head Elf Cameron Piana, Lead Elf Haley Frank

“People have been incredibly generous year after year donating to the Food Elves campaign. What we bring in helps 600 Franklin families that rely on the Food Pantry’s services. We are grateful that our community keeps exceeding our expectations,” says Cameron Piana, Food Elves co-founder.

In December the Food Elves will notify residents about the collection drive in their neighborhood, including information about what items are needed and the collection dates. Residents simply place bags of goods at their mailboxes on designated pickup dates and the Food Elves will do the rest.

In case there’s no elf in your neighborhood, it is still easy and convenient to donate. The group has placed bright red collection bins at participating Franklin Downtown Partnership member businesses. If the Food Elves meet their goal of collecting more than 1,200 pounds of goods, each business listed below has pledged to donate $200.

Bins can be found at these participating locations:

• Auerr, Zajac & Associates, LLC, 29 Dean Ave.
• British Beer Company, 280 Franklin Village Dr.
• DCU, 500 West Central St.
• Dean Bank, 21 Main St.
• Dean College, Campus Center
• Drama Kids of Metro West, 19 Dean Ave. (call for drop off schedule)
• Emma’s Quilt Cupboard, 12 Main St.
• Franklin Downtown Partnership Office, 9 East Central St.
• Jane’s Frames, 11 East Central St.
• Keefe Insurance Agency, 51 West Central St.
• Murphy Business, 15 East Central St.
• Pour Richard’s Wine & Spirits, 14 Grove St.
• RE/MAX Executive Realty, 308 West Central St., Suite E
• Yellin & Hyman, P.C., 693 East Central St., Suite 201

Also donating to the Food Elves campaign are Berry Insurance and Printsmart Office Solutions.

Look for a donation bin at the Holiday Stroll tree lighting ceremony at Dean College on Thursday, December 4, or drop off donations at the Franklin Food Pantry, 43 West Central St., and designate them for the “12 Days of Donating” drive.

This year the Food Elves also are collaborating with the Youth Community Involvement Club at Franklin High School and Project 351 at Horace Mann Middle School. Project 351 is a state-wide community service project and Food Elf volunteer Rebekah Redwine is this year’s Franklin ambassador.

“With a cold winter on the way, family budgets are stretched and more people need the Food Pantry’s services,” says Haley Frank, a lead Food Elf. “We are proud that this great group of students working with local businesses can make a huge, positive impact for Franklin.”

Erin Lynch, Franklin Food Pantry Executive Director, concurs; she cites a recent Lowell Sun story that states National Grid rates on November 1 increased 37 percent over last winter.

“Families who are already struggling will be hit once again when electric rates skyrocket,” says Lynch. “What these students accomplish is vital. The spirit of the Food Elves has captured the hearts of this community. We are so grateful for the amazing support that keeps multiplying through the hard work of these young leaders.”

This year the Food Pantry’s needs include health and hygiene products and non-perishable food items. For more information check the Food Pantry’s website, www.franklinfoodpantry.org/, or call 508-528-3115.

For more information about the Franklin Food Elves and the “12 Days of Donating” campaign, please contact the Food Elves at franklinfoodelves@yahoo.com or visit their Facebook page.
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Franklin-Food-Elves/714439188643292


This was re-shared from http://www.franklindowntownpartnership.org/2014/11/food-elves-press-release_21.html#sthash.iZdwx75g.dpuf