LONGMEADOW –  Each year Project 351 brings together a group of diverse eighth grade students from across the Commonwealth in an effort to create bonds between students and develop their leadership skills.  At Glenbrook Middle School in Longmeadow, eighth grader Lily Tracy was selected for this unique opportunity.

“We celebrate selfless and courageous acts of service to a cause greater than self.  We honor quiet heroes and unsung world changers.  We illuminate moments of transformation and celebrate unity and inclusion.  We give back, reach out, step up, stand together, build hope,” project351.org reads.

On Jan. 28 Project 351 hosted their eighth annual “Launch and Service Day” where an eighth grade student from each town and city in Massachusetts came together in Boston, listened to various speakers and took part in a community service activity.

Tracy was selected by faculty and her guidance councilor for the opportunity to be Glenbrook’s Project 351 representative. She noted that though she hasn’t taken part in anything like Project 351, Tracy is no stranger to community service projects, as she’s worked with the homeless before.

The groups of eighth graders were bused into Boston to John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum where they were able to listen to a series of speakers including Gov. Charlie Baker and Massachusetts’ First Lady Lauren Baker.  The First Lady was honored at the event as a “Service Hero” for her work with Wonderfund. According to the wonderfundma.org website, Wonderfund is a non-profit 501C3 that serves children involved with the Massachusetts Department of Children and Families through partnership by providing dignity and comfort to children in traumatic situations. 

Following the speeches, the students were then brought to Cradles to Crayons, a non-profit organization that provides homeless and low-income children who live not only in Boston but Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and Chicago, Illinois, with essentials free of charge.    

“It was extremely fun and exciting.  My favorite part was definitely going to Cradles to Crayons, it was amazing,” Tracy shared.

At Cradles to Crayons, Tracy said the students helped volunteers fold clothing that would eventually go to other children in need.

While her time with other students around the state has come to a close, Tracy is bringing what she’s learned in Boston back to Glenbrook.

“This Spring I’m organizing a clothing drive at my school for Cradles to Crayons, it’s called “Spring Service.” You can choose to take part in it, and I chose to do it,” Tracy said.

To learn more about Project 351, go to project351.org.