LYNNFIELD — Paige Martino is an eighth-grader at Lynnfield Middle School who is known by her principal, Stephen Ralston, as a “rock star.”
Martino is involved with the student council and is a member of the school’s newspaper, the Pioneer Press. She wants to be a news reporter when she’s older.
“I love to write, so I definitely want to do something with writing,” she said.
She was recently nominated by Ralston to join Project 351, where she will participate in a “service year,” partaking in a variety of philanthropic projects throughout the community.
“Right now we’re doing our spring service, which is a clothing drive for Cradles to Crayons,” she said. “And then we’re doing a hope and gratitude service, which is a 9/11 tribute.”
She will also participate in projects with food pantries and local organizations as part of her work with Project 351.
Martino and her family have been volunteering with a group of kids from the Special Olympics for about two years now, which Martino said has taught her a great deal.
“I’ve gotten to learn so much (from the kids) and it’s really nice to have a connection with them.”
Since the pandemic, Martino said it was difficult to Zoom so her family has tried to meet with this group of fellow middle schoolers at least once a month, wearing masks and practicing social distancing. She said she loves working with the community and plans to continue doing so for as long as she can.
Martino said she is excited — but nervous — to go to high school next year. She will be attending Phillips Academy in Andover, her top choice. She hopes to attend Boston College or Georgetown University for college.
Martino said she is happy to be back to in-person learning and able to see her friends, who she said would describe her as a caring and determined person.
“Once I start a job, I always finish it,” she said.
Martino thanks her family, friends and especially her teachers for helping her adapt to the changes the pandemic has brought, and said she is ready to finish the school year strong.
