Project 351

On this final weekend of , we dedicate to a beloved member of the Class of 2013 -- Connor Schoen

It was evident from the start: 8th grade Ambassador Connor of Westborough would change the world. Not hyperbole...truly.

And, over the 13 years since...on the Alumni Leadership Council, as Harvard undergrad, co-founder of Breaktime, Project 351 service partner, and LGBTQ+ leader and advocate, we've witnessed Connor do just that. With brilliance and compassion, Connor builds a world defined by greater humanity and equality of opportunity.

Breaktime, a non-profit social enterprise, is both a reflection of and vehicle for that pursuit. Founded in 2018, Breaktime empowers young adults experiencing homelessness with financial security through a transitional employment program. Breaktime has special devotion to issues of equity and inclusion as 40% of youth experiencing homelessness identify as LGBTQ+; with 89% identifying as Black, Indigenous, or People of Color (BIPOC).

Connor's leadership is widely celebrated. Name the award and he's received it: Boston's 150 Most Influential Leaders, Forbes 30 Under 30 for Social Impact, Boston Chamber of Commerce Ten Outstanding Young Leaders, and delegate to Massachusetts State Democratic Convention, representing the LGBTQ+ community.

Connor, thank you for your courageous, authentic leadership and continued faith in Project 351. Our 35ONELove and admiration is infinite -- pride that's reflected each day by the inspirational mentorship of Anray Sheng of Needham, as he leads your amazing Service Hero Team:

Brooke • Douglas
Tabarak • Lowell
Julia • Lunenburg
Jaya • Needham
Larimar • New Bedford
James • Plymouth
Tyler • Rowley
Anish • Westborough
Arden • Williamstown

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Incredibly proud of 12 of our ALC seniors who inspired and engaged our legislative leaders at Thursday's annual Legislative Briefing. And deeply appreciative of our hosts Senators Julian Cyr and Vanna Howard, Representatives Hannah Elizabeth Kane (Dean of the 35ONECaucus) and .Kerans (2026 Service Hero) for their impassioned advocacy and engaged stewardship.

At Project 351, our mission begins in gratitude...and then, our "why". On Thursday, the team shared their purpose as a demonstration of the values and vision of the 35ONE generation. (As in the image, starting left to right in the back row):

Marco Barbosa, Dorchester, “I serve because I know that to address the wide range of challenges facing our nation, we need to bring together an even wider range of voices and perspectives. My generation needs to fulfill our civic responsibility to create a more perfect union.”

Kyle Wetjen, Sherborn, “Project 351 demonstrates that great leaders can come from anywhere. From every one of the 351, a generation of altruistic young people discovers their potential through accessible, transformational service.”

Andrew Fleischmann, Mansfield, “I serve simply because I can, so I must. My mission is to create unifying change in a world that seems more divided than ever before.”

Shreya Shukla, Sandwich: "My "why" reflects my journey, my path, my story. I started as an ambassador and leave as a change maker. A scared 8th grader who now leads The Playbook Initiative to help middle school students embrace being an upstander as the norm. To ensure that no one ever goes unheard and unloved. My voice – that used to tremble – is now a force for change.”

Isabelle Alphonse, Easton: “I truly believe in the promise of Project 351. For five years, I’ve invested my beliefs to empower youth to ensure that justice never expires and love always lights our way.”

Jay Patel, Holliston: “I serve not despite my identity, but because of it. My disability of hearing loss compels me to lead with love, to advocate with purpose, and to try my hardest to live a life guided by empathy and perspective.”

Ella DeStefano, Franklin: “I serve for every veteran of this great country to receive the gratitude and care they have so courageously earned. They’ve dedicated their lives in defense of our great nation. In return, it’s our obligation to ensure they have the resources they need for their happiness and health.”

Nicole Flanagan, Andover: “Service has taught me to create solutions rooted in empathy not division. It has shown me that leadership isn’t about age; it’s about impact.”

Nakshatra Arun, Plainville, “Project 351 is proof that young people don't have to wait to create change. When given a voice and the opportunity to serve, we lead, advocate, unite, and build.”

Lily Price, Middleborough, “I serve to ensure that everyone knows that their existence is valued and no less important than anyone else’s. Our service is rooted in dignity and our vision is powered by hope.

Chelsea Barnor, Fitchburg, “My why always traces back to my who. Who are the leaders that represent the unspoken experiences of people in my community? Who are the people in need of a voice the most? And who can I grow to become by using my platform to uplift others?“

Keegan Butler, Westhampton: “Project 351 is a platform for young people to lead and to understand and address the challenges we face. We lead food drives but we also learn about food insecurity, how to unite our community, and what it will take to fix the systems and structures that perpetuate hunger. At Project 351, we develop the core values and skills to create the world we want to see.”

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Today, we celebrate Dads and like-a-Dads! Those inspiring men who -- with strength, wisdom, and unconditional love -- serve as teacher, role model, and compass on all matters of import.

We know that our Ambassadors' kindness, compassion, and courage to lead is molded by the examples and lessons of home. They carry those gifts forward to enrich our community and motivate our mission.

In honor of every Dad and like-a-Dad in our Project 351 family -- those who are with us and those we carry in our heart's memory -- we commit to build a world worthy of the next generation.

One that expands opportunity, strengthens community, fosters unity, and celebrates and supports the unlimited potential and beauty of every child.

As we build communities of kindness and compassion and a movement of service with your remarkable children, we celebrate your example and appreciate your belief and encouragement.

To our very special statewide community of Dads and like-a-Dads...a very Happy Father's Day!

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