April 27th Ambassador and Alumni Voice : Sandwich Team
Today, we kick-off Week 3 of our Service Leadership Academy, with a focus on hunger -- a challenge which has grown dramatically and exponentially since the pandemic. Over the next five days, we will learn about the root issues of hunger, hone skills for leading change, and mobilize for impact in support of local food pantries and global efforts like the World Food Programme.
Creating the Service Leadership Academy has deepened our respect and admiration for educators. We have long regarded them as heroes -- that belief has only deepened. We feel so fortunate that our educators are all in for 351 -- on top of their demanding responsibilities as teacher, guidance counselor, principal, administrator, Assistant Superintendent, or Superintendent. They select Ambassadors, mentor and coach them throughout the year, offer expertise on programming, advocate for our mission, lead Launch and Reunion -- and countless local and regional service -- as volunteers, and serve as endless source of wisdom, encouragement, and belief.
We're biased, but we believe our educator champions are the greatest. And, our Ambassadors and Alumni do, too!
Today's #351GratitudeMoment is a team effort, from the 351 crew in Sandwich. The Sandwich team is one of our most united, engaged, and impactful group of Alumni and Ambassadors. And, they give large amounts of credit for that to their mentor -- Sandwich Public Schools 8th grade history teacher Jeff Duffany.
We turn the platform over to them for today's #351GratitudeMoment:
"Mr. Duffany has been a Project 351 volunteer for the past six years and is the backbone of the Project 351 Sandwich team.
Without Mr. Duffany, Project 351 would be nowhere near the caliber that it is today in Sandwich. He is a study in dedicated leadership. He puts in countless hours with every Ambassador and Alumni. He always stands up for us, looks out for us, and is always there when we need him.
Mr. Duffany is more than an educator and a mentor, he is an advocate, an activist, and a change maker.
Molly Kent, Alumni: "I'll never forget the day that Mr. Duffany pulled me out of his history class in eighth grade and told me that I was chosen for this thing called Project 351. I was extremely nervous and very unsure of myself. If it were not for Mr. Duffany’s presence and assurance, I would’ve never got on that Launch Day bus and made it to Faneuil Hall. He has impacted every one of our 351 team's lives in tremendous ways. I can not thank him enough for his commitment and care. Thank you, Mr. Duffany!
Jack Burgess, Alumni: Mr Duffany is so selfless in his service to the Sandwich Project 351 team. Year after year, he takes students under his wing and makes sure they get the most out of their Project 351 experience. He played an instrumental role since my first Spring Service project as an eighth grader, and I will always be grateful
Kelly Broder, Alumni: Mr. Duffany has supported Project 351 Alumni and Ambassadors and has served the Sandwich community through countless acts of service. Thank you Mr. Duffany, for your guidance in all of my service. You’ve changed our community with your leadership and encouragement.
Jack Mulcahy, Ambassador: Thank you for always being your honest and funny self. Somehow, on top of being a great teacher, you find the time to do Project 351, generation citizen, and student council. I want to be a leader like you someday, and with your help, I’m on the right track."
Jeff Duffany -- educator, mentor, champion, and friend. We are so thankful for your leadership and loyalty. And, deeply inspired by all the lives you've changed through your tireless dedication and unwavering belief in the unlimited potential of every student, including and especially Sandwich's 351 crew! This #351GratitudeMoment is for you!