Auburn Middle School student named Project 351 ambassador, to lead clothing drive

The School Committee opened Feb. 5 with a student spotlight: Auburn Middle School eighth-grader Willow Bowser was introduced as the district's Project 351 ambassador for the year.

Project 351 is a statewide youth leadership program that engages eighth graders across Massachusetts in a year of service tied to Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Willow's nomination came from her teachers, who described her as a role model who "demonstrates empathy, integrity, and a strong dedication to helping others," the superintendent said.

Willow told the committee she and peers traveled to Boston for a day of service that included a visit to the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and volunteer work at Cradles to Crayons, where she helped assemble outfits for children. She said her spring project will be a clothing drive collecting donations for Cradles to Crayons through April and that the effort will accept sizes for all ages.

The committee recognized Willow's teacher mentor, Stephanie Mancini, an eighth‑grade science teacher, and asked that information about Willow's clothing drive be shared with the district.

"I think my favorite part of volunteering is the amount of people we can impact and knowing that we can help a community so much," Willow said.

The committee encouraged the district office to assist by sharing drive details in district communications and promised to publicize opportunities for participation.