Project 351 Kicks Off in The South End

351 outstanding Boston students came together with Governor Deval Patrick on Saturday to bring a message of hope to Massachusetts. Each of these community leaders were hand-chosen by school principals because of their commitment to bettering their communities - all before entering 9th grade.

“If they can serve, all of us can,” said Patrick at an event at the in the South End. Students were gathered at the school as part of Project 351, an initiative to recognize 8th graders making a difference from all 351 cities and towns in Massachusetts.

The Governor came to personally thank each student for their hard work as part of his inaugural celebrations, and to recognize their inspirational value to the rest of the state. During the course of the day, students painted inspirational messages that will be hung at the Blackstone, one of 35 "turnaround schools" across the state.

“The community does so much for us, providing an education, life experiences and friends, you want to give back to it, because you never forget the town you grew up in,” said 8th grader Tara Balan, who knows a thing or two about service. As a mentor, a Big Buddy and school activist, Tara is a perfect representation of Governor Patrick’s idea that “if these kids do it, why can’t we?”

Beyond the painting day celebration at Blackstone Elementary, Project 351 impacted more than 10,000 children in the Bay State through health and education initiatives. Projects included collecting books for the Catholic Charities Haitian Multi Service Center, making Kindergarten-readiness kits, filling 4,000 backpacks with food at the Greater Boston Food Bank, and providing school supplies, toys and more for children 1-12 through Cradles to Crayons.  

The celebration was initially scheduled for the previous weekend, but was postponed due to weather. As a result, Project 351 was held on the birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., a fitting tribute to his legacy of service, Patrick's office wrote in a press release.

For more information on Project 351 vist www.project351.com.