Medford eighth-graders excited about participating in Project 351

Only a few weeks into a year-long service project, two Medford eighth-graders are ready to meet the challenge ahead.

“This is going to help me learn to lead more,” said Allie Materazzo, a McGlynn Middle School student. “Like speaking at the School Committee meeting. I have never done anything like that, but I’ve become more comfortable with speaking to other people.”

Jovie LaFleur, a student at the Andrews Middle School, said she was looking forward to speaking at the Feb. 2 School Committee meeting.

“I like to act and be on stage so I wasn’t nervous,” she said. “I liked the opportunity to be able to do it. I can’t wait to improve my leadership skills and connect with the community through the spring service.”

Just what has these two jazzed up? It’s Project 351.

Begun in 2011 by former Gov. Deval Patrick, the concept was to bring together students from every city and town in the state. Hence the 351 name.

According to the Project 351 website, the nonprofit brings together students with a one-day celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday and continues for a year, providing student ambassadors with the opportunity to “build unity, cultivate kindness and transform lives and communities through service. As they serve, they develop the courage, compassion, and capabilities to lead awe-inspiring change.”

Project 351 estimates that there are 5,586 ambassadors and alumni who have completed the program and continue to be involved.

How are they picked?

How students are selected depends on the community. In Medford, the process begins sometime in November or December.

Both McGlynn Principal Nick Tucci and Andrews Principal Jennifer Skane said teachers and administrators nominate students they feel are leaders and show commitment to their school community.

“We are so honored to select our eighth graders,” Tucci said. “We have one from each school and we always try to think about who we can position to succeed.”

And because it’s a year-long commitment, Tucci said, the chosen students need to be up to the task. But, he added, that’s never an issue considering these kids are already outstanding in their schools.

He said it was an easy pick with Materazzo.

“Jovie is a good citizen in our school,” Skane added of Andrews’ pick. “She’s a leader and she sets an example. It was an easy decision.”

From there, both principals said they bring in the students and their parents about the selection.

“I got called down to the office and I was like, ‘I’m not in trouble, am I?’” LeFleur said of finding out she’d been nominated. “They showed me the website and I was absolutely in from the start.”

Materazzo agreed, saying it was just a great opportunity.

“I knew that it would help me later in life,” Materazzo said. “But I never thought I would be picked. I never thought I stood out.”

LeFleur said she never thought of herself as a leader, either.

Their parents, they said, were proud and excited about Project 351.

"A Revolution of Love"

This year’s Project 351 theme is “A Revolution of Love,” and both Materazzo and LeFleur said after the speeches at Faneuil Hall, the ambassadors were placed into groups and were sent out to begin their service.

Materazzo was sent to Cradles to Crayons in Boston. She said her day was spent sorting clothing at the organization, something she found exciting because ambassadors will be putting on a clothing drive for the agency in the spring.

LaFleur was at La Colaborativa in Chelsea working on making scarves, Valentine’s and bookmarks. After some time, she said her group switched with another and went outside to hand out food to people waiting in line.

Both said it was a very positive experience and can’t wait to get into the other projects: the spring clothing drive for Cradles to Crayons (March 29 to April 5), Hope & Gratitude Weekend, 9/11 Tribute Service, and Fall Service.

“I’m so excited about the spring service,” Materazzo said of what she’s most looking forward to this year. “I think it will be so fun to involve the entire school. I’m excited about how much clothing we’ll get. When we do food drives, we get a lot of contributions.”

LeFleur said she’s excited to work with her partner on the activity.

“We have to start on posters,” Materazzo said, laughing. “It starts in March!”

Both girls are members of the National Junior Honor Society so they’re pretty good at managing their time. They know there’s not a lot of time in their already-packed schedules, but they say they are 100% on board with Project 351 and its goal

“I’ve never lead any event like [the spring service project],” LeFleur said. “I think I’ve always doubted myself. But I think that I’ll be able to learn how to manage the contributions for a big organization like this. I also want to be able to help other people my age learn how they can make a difference, as well.”

When asked what they want the community to know about their upcoming year, both students were quick to answer.

“If I didn’t know about 351, I would be excited to learn how cool it is,” Materazzo said. “I’m excited for the Cradles to Crayons service because it’s really not just another clothing drive. 351 is where they get their most donations, from spring service.”

LaFleur said it’s all about making a difference.

“That’s what I want people to know,” she said. “That they can make a difference. I didn’t realize how much of a difference I could make at 351. In one day, like 9 hours, we made a huge difference in people’s lives. I want to help inspire other people to make their own difference.”