Teaching and Learning Highlight: Project 351 Student Ambassador

Brenden Johnson was recognized at Monday night's School Committee Meeting for his leadership and community service initiatives during the Teaching and Learning Highlight.

Brendan was chosen by a panel of staff members at the Ahern Middle School as Foxborough's Project 351 Student Ambassador. Middle schools across the 351 cities and towns in Massachusetts selected one eighth grade student as their Project 351 Ambassador to participate in Governor Deval Patrick’s second annual day to celebrate the life of Martin Luther King by honoring youth leadership and the importance of community service.

The day was dedicated to young leaders across the Commonwealth. Following a Town Hall Meeting at the State House hosted by the Governor and Lt. Governor Tim Murray, student leaders participated in one of four different community service projects to enrich the community that they serve. Brenden enjoyed the opportunity to positively influence many lives as part of the Cradles to Crayons Volunteer Project. His group set out with a goal of impacting 1,000 lives and ended up impacting 6,000 explained Brenden.

“Brenden is at the top of the heap, and the heap is an exemplary group of people. He represents a lot of wonderful kids at the Ahern Middle School," explained Mrs. Susan Abrams, Ahern Middle School Principal. He is a member of the broadcasting and guitar club, a musician in the concert and jazz bands and actively volunteers with many community service projects. Brenden fits all of the criteria for a student ambassador and was described by his principal as a student leader who really embodies something that is increasing at the Ahern, community service projects where students are learning to give back early.

*Submitted by Amy Berdos, Assistant Superintendent of Schools