Our Educators!
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!