8th Grade Student Mackenzie Carlsten Selected to Participate as Project 351 Ambassador for Seekonk Public Schools

Seekonk, MA – Superintendent Dr. Rich Drolet is pleased to announce that 8th grade student Mackenzie Carlsten (pictured on the left) was selected as this year’s ambassador to represent Seekonk Public Schools in the 10th annual state-wide, youth-led service initiative known as Project 351 in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. On January 18, Mackenzie joined other eighth graders representing every city and town in Massachusetts. She was selected by the Hurley Middle School for her inspiring ethic of service and the values of kindness, compassion, humility, and gratitude.

“As Project 351 celebrates our first decade of service, we draw inspiration from young leaders like Mackenzie Carlsten, who demonstrate the unlimited potential of young people in service. And, 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 Carolyn Casey, executive director and founder of Project 351.

Annually, Ambassadors are selected by hometown educators for an exemplary ethic of service and the values of kindness, compassion, humility, and gratitude, and engage in a transformative year of youth-led service projects. Together, Ambassadors like Mackenzie unite the state in a shared mission of support for Spring Service, benefitting Cradles and Crayons, 9.11 Tribute Service with the Massachusetts Military Heroes Fund; and Fall Service, which addresses the challenge of hunger through support of hundreds of hometown Food Pantries. At the close of the Ambassador year, youth continue to hone skills and lead communities in service as a member of the Alumni Leadership Council or Alumni community.