PEABODY — Two Higgins Middle School eighth graders are “proven leaders” representing the city in Project 351, a state-wide community service program.
John Droggitis and Logan Lomasney joined students from across the state last weekend in kicking off their service year as part of Project 351.
Since 2011, 3,381 eighth graders have engaged as ambassadors, serving more than 720,000 neighbors through youth-led state-wide service campaigns.
Higgins Principal Todd Bucey said Lomasney and Droggitis exemplify Project 351’s motto of service, humility and gratitude. The pair are well known around Higgins for launching community service projects and stepping up to be leaders.
Lomasney said they have helped organize schools food and clothing drives, starting in sixth grade. The pair won praise from Carolyn Casey, executive director and founder of Project 351.
“As Project 351 celebrates our first decade of service, we draw inspiration from young leaders like John and Logan who demonstrate the unlimited potential of young people in service who — by their example of devotion to cause greater than self — serve as a catalyst for hope, unity, and transformative impact in the lives of our most vulnerable neighbors,” said Casey.
Project 351’s upcoming projects include a March clothing drive to support Cradles to Crayons, an initiative helping needy children. Food pantries and veterans organizations will also receive Project 351 help this year.
Through volunteer service, Project 351 aims to build leadership development, mentorship, and civic engagement through service. “Through Project 351’s unique enrichment model, Ambassadors develop the skills and confidence to mobilize schools and communities in state-wide service campaigns,” states Project 351’s mission statement.
Once they complete their service year, Lomasney and Droggitis will continue to hone skills and lead communities in service as Project 351 Alumni Leadership Council or Alumni community members.
