SWANSEA -- Two Swansea brothers are making waves in their community through their involvement with Project 351, a nonprofit organization focused on youth-led service, according to an announcement.
Benjamin Woodsmall, a student at Joseph Case Junior High School, recently represented Swansea Public Schools at the Project 351 Launch Day in Boston. His older brother, Samuel Woodsmall, served as an alumni ambassador this year, marking a significant moment for the family.
"I am extremely proud of my little brother," Samuel said. "I felt a sense of pride and I was very excited to be able to work with my brother in the same organization."
Benjamin was inspired by his brother's previous involvement with the project.
"My brother's experience did inspire me to work hard for the opportunity to be picked for Project 351," Benjamin said. "Since then, that's what I've been working toward in school, trying to do whatever I can to make a difference."
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Project 351, founded in 2011, annually selects eighth-grade students from across Massachusetts to participate in a year of leadership development and service. The organization aims to instill values of kindness, compassion and respect for all.
The Launch Day event, held at the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, included participation from Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey, Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll and state Secretary of Education Patrick Tutwiler. The event marked the beginning of a yearlong journey for the ambassadors, who will engage in various service campaigns addressing issues like hunger, clothing insecurity and educational equity.
"The young people who serve with Project 351 are great examples of what makes Massachusetts a leader in so many important ways," Healey said. "These ambassadors demonstrate what is possible when we work together to make the changes we all want to see in our own communities."
The Woodsmall brothers' parents, Amy and Jeremy, expressed immense pride in their sons' achievements.
"Both of them have embraced the values of service, kindness and leadership," Amy said. "It's incredibly rewarding to see how they're growing into young people who are committed to giving back to their community."
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Samuel's journey with Project 351 began when he was in eighth grade, and he has continued to serve as a mentor and leader within the organization.
As Benjamin embarks on his journey with Project 351, he looks forward to learning more about community service and leadership.
"When I'm serving as a Project 351 ambassador I hope to learn the importance of helping the community and the best way to do it," he said.
For more information, visit Project 351.
This story was created by reporter Beth McDermott, [email protected], with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Journalists were involved in every step of the information gathering, review, editing and publishing process. Learn more.