Bourne Middle School recently named eighth-grader Connor Banks, 13, as the school’s Project 351 Ambassador. (Photo courtesy Bourne Public Schools)
BOURNE — Superintendent Kerri Anne Quinlan-Zhou and Principal Christine Borning are proud to share that eighth-grade student Connor Banks has been selected as Bourne Middle School’s Project 351 Ambassador for this school year.
Connor, 13, will join students representing every community in Massachusetts through Project 351, a nonprofit organization that empowers youth to become leaders. Through service, youth unite to advance the values of community, the aspirations of opportunity, the tenets of civic responsibility, and the inherent dignity of every individual.
Connor was selected among all eighth-grade students by his teachers and administrators. Ambassadors are chosen for Project 351 for their exemplary demonstration of the program’s key values of kindness, compassion, humility, and gratitude.
“Connor is an excellent choice for the Project 351 Ambassador because he exemplifies the qualities of an outstanding student and leader,” said Bourne Middle School English teacher Angela Ribeiro. “Academically, he excels with attention to detail and takes pride in his work. His self-motivation drives him to consistently perform at a high level, setting a positive example for his peers.”
In addition to excelling academically, Connor plays football and basketball, and he participates in volunteer beach clean-ups organized by a neighborhood group.
In January, Connor and the rest of Project 351’s new class of ambassadors will kick off 12 months of service with the program’s annual Launch Day, held in honor of the lives and legacies of civil rights leaders Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Coretta Scott King.
At the end of their service year, Project 351 ambassadors are invited to continue to hone their skills and lead communities as members of the Alumni Organization.
“I’m very happy and excited,” Connor said about being chosen as his school’s Project 351 ambassador. “This was a surprise.”
Connor is looking forward to Launch Day, scheduled for Jan. 25 at the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library, getting to meet other ambassadors and representatives of Project 351, and visiting Gillette Stadium for another Project 351 event with fellow ambassadors later during the year.
Connor plans to organize a clothing and food drive for fellow Bourne students as part of his ambassadorship. He said it’s important for kids to feel comfortable, well-fed, and nourished in order to learn.
“Leadership is a means to express myself as a strong person and to be there for people to help out,” Connor said.
Connor looks to his dad for inspiration because his father tends to donate and serve others while always showing a cheerful, positive attitude.
“Connor is a bright, friendly student who has grown into a true leader at Bourne Middle School this year,” Principal Borning said. “We are excited to see him take on the challenge of being an ambassador and sharing his positive work with his peers.”
Superintendent Quinlan-Zhou commended Connor for his selection as a Project 351 Ambassador.
“This is a tremendous honor that reflects his leadership, compassion, and commitment to making a positive impact in our community,” Superintendent Quinlan-Zhou said. “I am confident that Connor will represent our district with pride.”
About Project 351
Founded in 2011 by corporate, nonprofit, and civic communications strategist Carolyn Casey, Project 351 has received continuous support from the governors of Massachusetts, who have embraced the idea of uniting Massachusetts through youth service and leadership.
Ambassadors are selected for their exemplary ethic of service and for their values of kindness, compassion, humility, and gratitude.
Project 351 is a nonprofit organization powered by Ambassador leadership and the investment of civic-minded corporations, foundations, individuals, and Project 351 alumni. The organization is honored by the faith of its partners, including the Martin Richard Foundation, Boston Celtics Shamrock Foundation, Crimson Lion Foundation, John Hancock, Michael Carmen and Pamela Lederer, Foundation to be Named Later, HYM Investment, Mabel Louise Riley Foundation, former Gov. Deval and Diane Patrick, two generous funders who chose anonymity, and media partner WBZ-TV.