Eighth-grader named as Lincoln’s Project 351 Ambassador

Devon Das

Lincoln School eighth-grader Devon Das has been selected as Lincoln’s Project 351 Ambassador, joined other other eighth-graders from every Massachusetts city and town for a transformational year of service, leadership development, and civic engagement.

The annual Launch and Service Day convened Project 351’s tenth Class of Ambassadors for a day of service and leadership to honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Gov. Charlie Baker, First Lady Lauren Baker, and Lt. Governor Karyn Polito joined the morning celebration at Faneuil Hall. The day included service in support of 18 nonprofit organizations including the Greater Boston Food Bank, the Pine Street Inn, Be Like Brit, and the Chelsea and Holyoke Soldiers Homes.

There is no application process; educators nominate and select their community’s ambassador based on criteria and a process provided by the organization. Devon was selected by the Lincoln School to represent Lincoln for demonstrating an ethic of service and the values of kindness, compassion, humility, and gratitude. “Devon has volunteered for everything I’ve offered this year and he will make the most of the opportunity,” said Steve Cullen, the eighth-grade social studies teacher.

Project 351 ambassadors develop the skills and confidence to mobilize schools and communities in statewide service campaigns. Their spring service will benefitting Cradles and Crayons and 9.11 Tribute Service with the Massachusetts Military Heroes Fund, while their fall service will addresses the challenge of hunger through support of hundreds of hometown food pantries. At the close of the Ambassador year, they can continue to hone skills and lead communities in service as members of the Alumni Leadership Council or alumni community.

Since its founding in 2011, 3,381 eighth graders have engaged as Project 351 Ambassadors, serving more than 720,000 neighbors through youth-led statewide service campaigns.