Attleboro Whiz Kid: Lewis Kass

• Name: Lewis Kass
• Age: 16
• Grade: Junior
• School: Attleboro High School 

As a way to honor the sprit of volunteerism that followed the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, Attleboro High School students patriotically put together Project 9/11. AHS Junior, Lewis Kass is one of the student leaders of the project.

“Project 9/11 is a service project recruiting people of all ages to come together to act as one nation, to remember one day, commemorating the tenth anniversary of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks,” shared Kass.

It was during Kass’ sophomore year, under the direction of Rebecca Richard and the Community Service Learning Program (C.S.L.P.) that Kass was motivated to take on leadership responsibilities within his school and community.

For a final class project, Kass' group fully organized and planned a field trip that included a service project. Knowing that the trip had to be approved by school administration, the group worked diligently to make this project one that would clearly serve others.

It was long and laborious work planning a trip to New York City to visit the 9/11 Memorial preview site and the World Trade Center tribute site. Additionally, a primary goal of the trip was to learn how New York City was planning to commemorate the tenth anniversary of September 11. Thankfully, school administrators approved the plan, and Project 9/11 officially began.

Kass and members of his group have promoted Project 9/11 at AHS, the Special Olympic day games in North Attleboro and the Attleboro Farmer’s Market. Project 9/11 desires to recruit 911 individuals who will commit one hour each of community service. With this effort, Kass hopes to honor those who volunteered during and after the terrorist attacks.

Prior to this class and project, Kass had never really taken part in volunteering. “I honestly can say that it was the best class I ever decided to take. It showed me how an individual can make a big impact on the community.”