Eighth-grader Donavyn Dejesus arrived in Boston on Jan. 25 as Wareham High School’s ambassador to Project 351, a youth service program focused on leadership and community service.

Over the next year, Donavyn and the other 350 eighth-grade ambassadors, from every town and city across Massachusetts, will develop the skills and confidence to lead service campaigns in their hometowns. The students will address issues such as hunger, clothing insecurity, and educational equity.

“It was exciting, and I was proud to be chosen out of everyone in the eighth grade,” Donavyn said. “I had never heard of Project 351 before, but I’ve learned so much about teamwork and how much of an impact we can make when we come together to help others.”

All 351 ambassadors met at the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum in Boston for launch day on Jan. 25. They were joined by Gov, Maura Healey, Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll, Secretary of Education Patrick Tutwiler, and other community leaders for a day of volunteer service.

During launch day, Donavyn and her fellow ambassadors assembled wellness kits for newborns and distributed food to families in need.

“You hear about people who are struggling, but when you’re there, handing out food, seeing the people and families waiting in line in the cold, it really changes your perspective,” She said. “It was a really cool experience to be part of something bigger than myself.”

The day concluded with a celebration at the JFK Museum. The ambassadors gathered there reflected on their efforts and were told about how many lives they impacted through their day of service — thousands in just a few hours.

Wareham educators selected Donavan to be the town’s representative based on “an exemplary ethic of service and the values of kindness, compassion, humility, and gratitude.”

“Not only is Donavyn representing Wareham on a statewide level, but she’s also bringing back what she’s learned to make a difference in our own community,” said Wareham High School Principal Scott Palladino. “She’s modest about it, but this is a prestigious honor, and I’m looking forward to seeing how she applies her passion for service here at home.”

Superintendent Matt D’Andrea thanked Donavyn for her youth leadership efforts.

"We are incredibly proud of her for representing Wareham with compassion and dedication," D'Andrea said. "I have no doubt that she will take the lessons and experiences from Project 351 and use them to make a meaningful impact in our community."

Over the next year, Donavyn hopes to focus on helping newcomers to this country who may be struggling to adjust.

“I didn’t realize how hard it is for people coming from other countries until I learned about it more last weekend at launch day,” she said. “I want to take what I’ve learned and do something to help.”

To other students who may be curious about Project 351 and getting involved, Donavyn provided a simple assessment of youth-led volunteer service: “It feels good to give back.”