Six Student Ambassadors Go to Boston for Day of Service

This past Saturday, hundreds of eighth graders representing the 351 cities and towns of the Commonwealth, met for a second annual day of service. These student “ambassadors” from across Massachusetts spent the day volunteering and reflecting on the legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr. Students went out to service sites across Boston including, Cradles to Crayons, the Greater Boston Food Bank, the Dorchester Boys and Girls Club and the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Towers. The day concluded at the State House where the ambassadors and Governor Deval Patrick celebrated the legacy of Dr. King. This event was part of Patrick's Project 351 that is dedicated to celebrating youth leadership and inspiring the ethic of service.

Six Island eighth graders, who were chosen by their teachers to represent each of the Island towns, took part in the event. They were Lucie Dougherty-Soares of West Tisbury, Hadley Chapman of Chilmark, Emerson Mahoney of Aquinnah, Sarah Poggi of Edgartown, Olivia Jacobs of Tisbury and Thalia Nogueira of Oak Bluffs. West Tisbury teacher Robyn Wingate accompanied the students.

The group had a rough trip, starting with boat cancellations due to weather that lead to a missed bus connection, but Wingate managed to convince the Project 351 people to send another bus. “Although we missed the State House tour in the morning, it was an inspirational day. We arrived at Cradles to Crayons a little after noon to a rock star like greeting. Everyone was extremely happy that we were able to make it despite the transportation challenges,” said Wingate.

Once at Cradles to Crayons, the group began to work with others to organize donations. Some sorted toys and books to make sure they were in working condition; others put clothing into categories, sorted and cleaned shoes and boots, or made packages for the kids. Said Wingate, “The two facts that surprised all of us was that this organization is for homeless children from newborn to 12 years old. For the few hours that we worked we were able to put together materials for 1700 children but the need surpasses 75,000 in Massachusetts.”

Before the students left, MVPatch sent them three questions to reflect on while on their way home. We asked: What did it mean to you to be an ambassador for the Island? What was the most important thing you learned from this experience? Why do you think it’s important to remember the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.?

Here are their responses:

Emerson Mahoney said, "I learned there's a lot of need and if you can help a little, it can make a big difference. Dr. King made it so everyone can live together and have the same thing, no matter what race. Being an ambassador showed me we are the leaders of the future and we need to be responsible and do what's right.”

Sarah Poggi said, "I learned that you don't have to do something big to make a difference. Being an ambassador meant that people have a belief in me to be a leader. Martin Luther King, Jr. was an inspiration and influenced many to do the right thing and to help others.”

Olivia Jacobs said, "This meant a lot to me because I was chosen from many 8th graders who also do community service so it felt special. And even though we do a food drive with the Boys and Girls Club on the Island, we don't think about the wide need. It’s important to keep doing the work of Project 351 and remember the influence and work of Dr. King.”

Hadley Chapman said, "I am honored to be an ambassador, to know that people thought I could make a difference in people's lives. I didn't realize how many homeless children there are and how much we could do in one day for them. Martin Luther King, Jr. wanted us to take the future in our hands and realize that we are in charge of the future. He wanted us to try to reach our goals in life.”

Thalia Nogueira said, "I felt happy that I was picked and it made me realize that people notice what I do in school. Sometimes we don't know what we have and take it for granted everyday. We want something better, like the newest iPod or video game, but we don't think about those who don't have the basics to just get through the day. We should always take time to help others. Martin Luther King, Jr. had a goal for the future and we are participating in that future. By helping out we are helping to make his dream of equality more real.”

Lucie Dougherty-Soares said, "It meant a lot that I was chosen because it showed and told me that I was a good representative for my town. It felt good to help the children I helped today. Today the whole Project 351 group helped over 7000 people, from infants to seniors, in need. The Crayons to Cradles group helped 1500 children.It is important to remember Martin Luther King, Jr. because he was one of a few who stepped out and made a difference in how people see and treat each other and if he hadn't, things would not be like they are today.”

Wingate summed up the day by saying that, “The Ambassadors were energized and excited to get back to organize a community service to benefit Cradles to Crayons. One of the ideas is to have a drive for rulers, pencils and notebooks, which are items that are always in need for homeless schoolchildren. It was a great day full of inspiration and feelings of gratitude for the blessings in our lives that we previously took for granted.”