On this sunny day, the #351GratitudeMoment of Ambassador Gavin Majoy of New Braintree reminds us to pause and appreciate the beauty and serenity of nature:

"In this challenging time for our country, I am especially grateful for the beautiful and peaceful land that I live near. Going for a hike with my family calms me and makes me realize just how fortunate I am for all that I have -- despite these unsettling times.

I'm so blessed to live near land that I can use for long walks. Earth is a wonderful planet -- one that we all need to take care of. Earth certainly takes care of us!"

#351GratitudeMoment

This week in SLA, our Ambassadors and Alumni gain knowledge and inspiration by learning about the 2020 Service Heroes who lead as pioneers, visionaries and advocates for education. It is such a privilege to honor these leaders this year with a team of 8th grade Ambassadors, who serve in their name:

Kara Bobroff is Deputy Secretary for Identity, Equity and Transformation for New Mexico’s Public Schools and the visionary Founder of Native American Community Academy (NACA) and the NACA inspired School Network.

Natanja Craig Oquendo is Vice President for Community Partnerships for The Possible Project, a youth engagement and empowerment program where students learn how to apply the principles of entrepreneurship to life planning.

Hilda Ramirez is the Executive Director of the Latino Education Institute at Worcester State University, which seeks to close expand the educational horizons for Latinos through support for students and their families.

Geoff Canada is the Chair of the Harlem Children Zone, and one of the nation’s most visionary, inspirational, and passionate advocates for children.

Jason and Devin McCourty are New England Patriots, philanthropists, and civic leaders, who champion social justice, educational opportunity and equity, and positive youth development.

Malala Yousafzai is a Nobel Peace Laureate, honored for her relentless and courageous leadership of a global movement to ensure education for every girl.

We add to this group, the heroes found in classrooms -- virtual and otherwise -- across the Commonwealth, as

Ambassador Lindzey Murillo of Millis, reflects upon in her #351GratitudeMoment:

"I am thankful for all the teachers out there!

Teachers are important people in your life because they shape you into what and who you’re going to be.

In 7th grade, there was one teacher who changed my life -- she was awesome. She gave me so many opportunities to soar. She is the teacher who nominated me for Project 351, and for that I am forever grateful.

Teachers devote their lives to students who need their guidance and motivation to succeed. This week, I wish everyone would email a teacher and say "thank you", because they are so deserving!"

We couldn't agree more! To our Service Heroes and the heroes in the classroom, this #351GratitudeMoment is sent with endless admiration and appreciation for you!

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#thankateacher

We kick-off this week's #351GratitudeMoments with a post from Ambassador Jenna Bobrowski of South Hadley. So lyrical is reads like a poem and sings like a song.

We are so grateful for the privilege of being led by kind, compassionate young people like Jenna. And, are thankful for her spirit of gratitude -- for every moment and every thing. What an extraordinary teacher she will make! From Jenna:

"I don’t have one special and specific #351GratitudeMoment, so I am grateful for living on Earth, along with many other things.

I am thankful for my family, friends, and teachers who have guided me to do my best for 14 years.

I am thankful for my school and I’m glad I have a good education.

I’m thankful for having the opportunity to participate in Project 351, and I’m glad I can share my kindness with the world through this organization.

I am thankful for having everything I need to live; a wonderful home in South Hadley, food, clothing, and an awesome younger sister!

I share gratitude towards the amazing people in the world who are helping others and caring for the environment, and I hope to follow in their footsteps.

And, one day, I hope to become a teacher and share what I know with people younger than me. And, by teaching, continue to do what I can to help change the world."

#351GratitudeMoment

#WeRise

What a week at the Service Leadership Academy! This week, we reflected on and built knowledge of childhood poverty. Through enrichment, Service Hero scavenger hunts, community building, and the inspiration of Cherylann Gengel, Co-Founder, Be Like Brit and longtime 351 champion & friend; and Sarah Rosenkrantz, Co-Founder, Y2Y, our Ambassadors and Alumni gained motivation and skills as "champions of children".

This #351GratitudeMoment is dedicated to Cherylann and Sarah, for their generous gift of wisdom as this week's special guests for Community Meeting (Cherylann) and Leadership Lessons workshop (Sarah). And, to Service Heroes and Champions of Children First Lady Lauren Baker, Mark Shriver of Save the Children, global children rights advocate Iqbal Masih, and Geoffrey Canada of the Harlem Children's Zone -- the Service Heroes and organizations we researched and learned from this week. Each, an aspirational role model for their extraordinary devotion to their mission and the young people they serve.

In celebration of them, we share highlights of our young leaders' pledges to serve as Champions of Children. As you'll hear...Ambassadors and Alumni will serve, advocate, mobilize, donate, dedicate, and never give up on their efforts to ensure every child has the resources and support they need to learn, lead, and thrive.

We dedicate this #351GratitudeMoment to the "champions of children" we know and the countless millions we don't. With our great thanks for your belief in the unlimited potential of every child!

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#championsofchildren

VIDEO: #BeAChampionForChildren

Today, the Brookings Institute reports a heartbreaking rise in food insecurity due to the pandemic -- one "without modern precedent". Among mothers with young children, nearly one-fifth say their children are not getting enough to eat.

Ending hunger is a fierce passion at Project 351. This week at SLA, we're learning about childhood poverty and the intersection with systemic challenges like hunger.

Through education, awareness, empathy, and the skills to lead and serve...our Ambassadors and Alumni are catalysts for impact in the fight to end hunger.

Today's #351GratitudeMoment is offered by ALC Soleei Guasp of Fall River, from the frontline of a challenge she is determined to solve.

"I am grateful for my local food pantry, Citizens For Citizens Food Pantry in Fall River.

As the first in my town to host a night time food pantry, they've made it possible for hundreds of hardworking families not eligible for food stamps -- and who work day shifts -- to receive the food they need for their families. They also host Thanksgiving Giveaways and Christmas Toy giveaways for these wonderful families.

CFC was my host site for Fall Service 2019 and my friends and I still volunteer. Serving with them deepened my appreciation and understanding of the challenge of hunger.

I'm so grateful that CFC lifts the burden of worry from families who are anxious about their next meal and how they'll feed their children.

I dedicate my #351GratitudeMoment to the amazing team and volunteers at Citizen for Citizens. With special appreciation to Chrystal Arpa, the Director, who leads her team and mission with determination and inspiration."

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#endhunger

#nourishcommunities

At Project 351, we LOVE educators. Our educators fuel our mission and make all things possible. Ambassador selection, service impact, Alumni mentorship, service and event leadership, bus captains and chaperones, advocacy and encouragement, guidance on our long term vision, and best of all -- cherished friends who set the standard for devotion to the unlimited potential of every child.

We agree with the poet Robert Frost’s definition, “I am not a teacher, but an awakener.” Every day, educators awaken their students' hearts, minds, and sense of what is possible. They awaken their compassion and conviction, and guide their journey as student, artist, athlete, service leader, and force of positive good. Their impact is impossible to calculate and valued beyond measure.

In honor of Teacher Appreciation Week, we asked members of the Regional Service Team to reflect on an educator who positively impact in their lives. We're grateful for their beautiful #351GratitudeMoments, which remind us of the profound and lifelong impact of our own beloved educators.

To these extraordinary role models and to every educator in every one of the 351 one, we dedicate this #351GratitudeMoment and a canyon of appreciation to you.

Kelly Broder, Sandwich:

“Every child deserves a champion—an adult who will never give up on them, who understands the power of connection and insists that they become the best that they can possibly be.” ~ Rita Pierson

For me, that champion is Mr. Russo, who serves the Sandwich High School community as English teacher. He is known for compassion and kindness, and as a great source of wisdom, inspiration, and guidance.

Mr. Russo opens the world to his students to nurture our growth in English. He shares his extensive knowledge of the world and expands our understanding of different cultures by analyzing literature. He introduces us to themes that are present in the world around us, and helps us to deepen our interpretation of humanity. And finally, he encourages us in our writing -- inspiring my interest in advocacy journalism.

Thank you, Mr. Russo, for helping me grow not only as a writer; but as an advocate for change.

Greg Fennell, Marshfield:

I want to thank the teacher who changed my life forever -- Mrs. Ridge from Eames Way School. Whenever someone asks me how I got to where I am today, I tell them about Mrs. Ridge!

I moved to Marshfield in the middle of my 4th grade year. It was very tough to get used to my new town and school. Yet, having Mrs. Ridge as a teacher made it so much easier -- she was kind, compassionate, and welcomed me into her classroom community.

When it was time to transition to middle school, Mrs. Ridge was there to make sure that I was ready -- her belief helped me develop confidence in myself.

And, when it was finally time to move on to high school, I wasn’t as nervous. I realized it was because of foundation for success Mrs. Ridge had helped me build.

Thank you, Mrs. Ridge, for everything you’ve done for me and to every teacher for everything you do!

Lucas Lee, Carlisle:

My freshman teachers are incredible and I could easily express gratitude and appreciation for all of them. This year of teaching is one of the best experiences I’ve had as a student. Although, I‘m sad to not be physically in the classroom with the best teachers around, I am extremely grateful for the incredible work by every teacher to make a smooth transition to online learning!

I’d like to recognize my earth science teacher, Mr. Pavlik, for being an amazing educator. At the end of 8th grade, I strongly considered skipping over freshman earth science for sophomore biology. At the last moment, I decided not to, and I’m very happy for that decision because of Mr. Pavlik.

Mr. Pavlik is one of those teachers who is constantly smiling and in a good mood! It’s obvious that he genuinely cares about each and every student and the material that he teaches. His classes are incredibly engaging, and I always look forward to stepping inside his classroom. Whether it’s a song about Alfred Wegener and Continental Drift or a lab about meteor impacts, Mr. Pavlik’s classes are incredibly fun and insightful. I always learn something interesting.

I’m especially thankful to Mr. Pavlik for the incredible ways he has kept us engaged and learning during these uncertain times.

Aidan Nelson, Ashburnham:

When I think of amazing teachers, I think of ones who create a family-like setting in the classroom. Educators who have fun and laugh, but still get important work done and go above and beyond for each student. I’ve had many teachers who fit these categories, but there is one who stands out more than everyone else -- Mrs. Shattuck.

Mrs. Shattuck teaches at Overlook Middle School in Ashburnham. She teaches 7th grade English, but she is far more than a teacher to her students.

The year in her class changed my life. I looked forward to every class -- full of fun, laughter, love, and, of course, teaching.

I’m inspired by the way Mrs. Shattuck incorporates fun and seriousness into every class, and creates an atmosphere where any student -- whether they struggle or excel -- will learn everything they need. And, enjoy the experience!
Inside her classroom, I felt loved and listened to, but her reach extended far beyond the classroom. No matter the situation, she was always there for me. Her son and I played on the 8th grade JV team and, at almost every home game, there was Mrs. Shattuck cheering us on. She brought so much joy to the crowd!

Mrs. Shattuck is also the Project 351 liaison at our school. Without her -- I wouldn’t be a part of this incredible program. I will forever be in debt to her for that. She is extremely instrumental in Spring Service and helped get our school community involved. And, she inspired me to stay connected in Project 351 past my Ambassador year.

I was lucky enough to have the best of the best, and am grateful for her continued presence in my life! Thanks for everything you do, Mrs. Shattuck!

Yvette Estevez, West Newbury:

My history teacher, Mrs.Cherry, is the best. She works so hard to provide a variety of ways for us to learn during this challenging time. Mrs.Cherry unfailingly wears a big smile to greet us on our weekly calls. Whether my classmates and I are talking about school topics or how amazing Rep. Ayanna Pressley is, she is always there to lend an ear. Thank you, Mrs.Cherry!

Today's #351GratitudeMoment is one of greatest pride. A recognition that we had to discover on our own, because Lance Corporal Noah Avila, USMC, is defined by humility.

We celebrate and appreciate Noah, currently stationed at Marine Base Camp Barstow in California; for his recent honor as "Marine of the Quarter", after his 2019 recognition as "Marine of the Year". The attached article begins:

"Lance Corporal Noah Avila has a habit of being the best, as demonstrated by his capturing Marine of the Year for 2019 followed by his most recent recognition as Marine of the Quarter for the first quarter of 2020.

Avila was chosen from a field of stellar Marines as best typifying the ideals and spirit of the Corps by the selection board at Marine Corps Logistics Base Barstow, California."

Noah is an Alumni from the Class of 2014 and Dighton's finest. Inspired by his parents' lives of compassion, service, and devotion to family and faith; Noah's leadership was nurtured as a Scout -- including the earned distinction of Eagle Scout; as civic leader and founder of Save Our Schools, a student led advocacy group which won a Prop 2 1/2 override; and very lucky for us, as Ambassador, Alumni Leadership Council member, and now volunteer webmaster and member of our Leadership Team.

In addition to his military service at Camp Barstow and volunteer service with Project 351, Noah also serves in community in support of those affected by homelessness. And, he also happens to be one of the kindest and most selfless young men you'll ever meet.

As we dedicate this #351GratitudeMoment and send our love and pride to Lance Corporal Avila, we extend deepest gratitude and respect to our military and veteran community at the start of "Military Appreciation Month". We look forward to devoting Week 6 of SLA to "Honoring our Military and Veterans", including our annual Memorial Day Remembrance. We will never forget.

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#duty

#honor

Marine of the Quarter: Lance Corporal Avila

We wish we could capture every act of kindness and impact of service leadership of our Ambassadors and Alumni. They have seemingly multiplied exponentially in response to the pandemic and as part of the Service Leadership Academy. For every #351GratitudeMoment you read, there are more in abundance!

Today, we visit Hanson Middle School and Hanson, home of Ambassador Mateo Santalucia. First, we recall his beautiful reflections on service from his registration essay last Fall:

"I am inspired to make a difference in my community because it is the right thing to do. People are always saying that "Someone else will do it," so I want to be that someone.

I was raised to know that helping others is an important part of life and to always be kind to someone who needs it. All of my family members have been involved in community building, and I want to follow in their footsteps."

Mateo's kindness is evident in everything he does. Recently, an act of gratitude inspired one in response by those he considers heroes.

"My #351GratitudeMoment in honor of health care workers was inspired by all the kind stories I saw on the news and by my Project 351 team's efforts. The nurses in my family are also a great inspiration to me. In fact, I sent the thank you notes to Brigham & Women's Hospital because my aunt works there!

I just want to thank all healthcare workers and first responders working through these difficult times. I serve because it is the right thing to do and because I believe in supporting my community in a time of crisis."

To Mateo, your family of nurses and community builders, and the health care workers at Brigham & Women's...this #351GratitudeMoment is for you!

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#belovedcommunity

#healthcareheroes

Today's #351GratitudeMoment is dedicated to Zoom, which has inspired us to re-imagine ways to build community, share gratitude, and galvanize purpose. Zoom has become classroom, civic square, Service Team huddle, Board Room, and precious access for mentorship, coaching, and collaboration.

Our new Service Leadership Academy features daily programming on critical issues, leadership skills, civic engagement, and inspirational "Movement Makers". Every Wednesday and Thursday, Zoom delivers "Movement Maker" wisdom into the homes and hearts and minds of our Ambassadors and Alumni.

As we reflect on this #351GratitudeMoment for Zoom, we add heartfelt appreciation for the generosity of time and belief of the Service Heroes, champions, and partners who bring our curriculum to life.

This week, we Zoomed in two treasures: Billy Shore, founder, Share Our Strength, and our nation's most important leader on the fight to end childhood hunger. Billy offered insight from the frontline of the growing crisis of hunger -- and SOS/No Kid Hungry's extraordinary response.

And, Meredith Starr, Director of Stewardship at the Pan-Mass Challenge. In a conversation with Alumna Skyla Rimple of Mashpee (team leader for the Meredith and Billy Starr Service Hero team), Meredith drew from PMC's brilliance (and her own!) to coach the team on gratitude and passion-based fundraising.

A special highlight of each Wednesday's Zoom is Board Chair and Honorary Dean Charlie Rose, who leads our Community Meeting with greatest joy -- concluding each with spoken word. This week, he tributed Billy with an "Ode to Billy Shore and Share our Strength".

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We appreciate the beauty and clarity of today's #351GratitudeMoment from Ambassador Allison Pacas of Everett: "I'm thankful for all of our 2020 Ambassadors and for my family. They inspire me every day to change the world for the better."
Allison, we're so very grateful for you and the Class of 2020! 💙🧡💙