Middle schoolers eager to join statewide annual service program

Date: 1/11/2024

Kyriakos Panteleakis and Charlotte Smith are part of the new class of “unsung heroes” as their schools’ 2024 “ambassador” to Project 351 — a youth-led community service program. 

They will attend a Jan. 13 kickoff event in Boston for a day of service projects. Project 351 is a nonprofit organization that inspires students through the ethic of service and values of kindness, compassion, humility and gratitude.

Panteleakis attends West Springfield Middle School, while Smith is a student at Agawam Junior High School. They’re among a group of “quiet leaders” selected from eighth graders in nearly every one of the state’s 351 towns and cities for a transformative year of service and leadership.

“I was shocked, but happy to be selected,” said Panteleakis. “It was a privilege to be the one picked from the other 300 kids in my class.”

Smith said she learned about the program when she was a seventh grader.

“I was pretty excited when I learned I was the 2024 ambassador. I couldn’t stop smiling. I was really honored,” she said.

“Charlotte would thrive in an environment where her natural leadership strengths are amplified by the right supports and structures, such as Project 351,” said AJHS Principal Norm Robbins.

“It’s where she can connect her understanding of the ‘big picture’ to an even ‘bigger picture’ across the state,” he said. “She’s ready for such an environment.”

Amanda Hernandez, a grade 8 counselor a WSMS, said Panteleakis consistently goes “above and beyond” to be a positive member and role model for the school community.

“Kyriakos leads by example and intentionally seeks out opportunities to make positive impacts on those around him,” Hernandez said.

Hernandez said he would “benefit greatly” from the mission of Project 351: “I’m looking forward to seeing the positive impacts it has on his leadership development.”

Project 351 also aligns with Panteleakis’ desire to give back to his community, which is also a focal point of his upcoming induction into the National Junior Honor Society. Panteleakis is a Student Council member who has been involved in several community services projects at his church as well as at the middle school.

“These projects have prepared me for Project 351 without my even knowing it,” he said. “I feel good going into this. I feel I’ll be successful as an ambassador and will play a big role in its community service projects. I’m going to put a lot of work into it.”

After she read the information packet, Smith thought some of Project 351’s goals seemed challenging.

“It was a little overwhelming,” she recalled. “But when I read it again, the information was easier to understand, and I began thinking about how I could do the service projects laid out for us.”

Her first foray into community service came when she recently started a free service for people who had difficulties walking dogs or didn’t have the time. While her only customer died, Smith got a taste of what it was like to help someone in need.

“Walking the dog for the woman in my neighborhood made me feel good about myself. I felt like I was helping my community,” said the 14-year-old. “My whole idea was to help people. I walked her dog every day. She was struggling with things and couldn’t take care of the dog herself,” said Smith, who credits her grandmother for inspiring her to help others.

Much of Panteleakis’ passion for community service comes from his church, as well as from community service projects worked on at West Springfield schools he’s attended. But a great deal of it also comes from his parents.

“I’ve seen what they’ve do for community service — and that drives me to do even better,” said the 13-year-old.

“I’m looking forward to meeting students who are into kindness and into the idea of giving back. One of the things I want to do through Project 351 is help more kids really see the importance of helping others,” said Panteleakis, who wants to attend a prestigious college to become a lawyer or a judge.

Smith hopes to get a volleyball scholarship so she can attend college in Hawaii or Florida. She wants to pursue careers as a pre-kindergarten teacher and as a cosmetologist. Smith is excited about the prospect of meeting other eighth graders at the launch.

“I like making new friends, so I’m looking forward to meeting other students to see what ideas and projects they have,” she said.

Panteleakis said one of the biggest challenges facing his peers is social media and technology.

“We’ve grown up using both, but social media causes many problems in school,” he said. “Many kids don’t realize what happens to your brain when you scroll on your phone to see new videos every second.”

Smith said poverty is her major concern.

“Many people who are poor have health issues, but often can’t afford medication. That can be a big problem. Their lives could depend on the medicine they need — if they don’t have it, they might not have a life.”

Gov. Maura Healey and Lt. Gov. Kimberley Driscoll are expected to meet with ambassadors as Project 351 embarks on its 14th year of community service. The annual event honors the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and always coincides with the weekend celebration of the slain civil rights leader’s birthday.