East 8th Grader Selected For Statewide Service Project

Christine Burke, an eighth grader at East Middle School, has been selected has been selected to participate in Governor Deval Patrick’s community service program, Project 351.

Project 351 is dedicated to celebrating youth leadership, inspiring the ethic of service, and honoring the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Christine plays club soccer for American F.C. and basketball in the B.Y.B. program. She likes to listen to music and to read. She has volunteered with Special Olympics and is involved with My Brother’s Keeper.

On Saturday, Jan. 18, Christine will represent Braintree as Ambassador at Project 351’s Launch and Day of Service in Boston, and will be invited to engage in a year’s term of community service, leadership development, and enrichment.

Eighth grade Ambassadors representing every city and town in the Commonwealth were nominated by his/her educators and chosen for his/her exemplary ethic of service, potential for leadership, and embodiment of the values of compassion, commitment, humility and kindness. 

"Christine Burke exemplifies the qualities of a Project 351 ambassador. Christine is a hard-working student, involved in many activities at East and in Braintree," East Principal John Sheehan said in a statement. 

"More importantly, Christine is a kind and compassionate young lady committed to her community and interested in helping others. I am confident that the Project 351 experience will lead Christine to a deeper understanding of and commitment to community service."

Patrick will begin the day Saturday with a youth Town Meeting at Faneuil Hall.

“I welcome Project 351 Ambassadors from Norfolk County and across the Commonwealth to unite in the spirit of service,” Patrick said. “Our young people have unlimited potential to create positive change across our Commonwealth, our nation and our world. Project 351 recognizes that, while providing a wonderful opportunity to inspire, challenge and motivate our next generation of leaders to give back and make a significant impact in our community.”

The Faneuil Hall celebration will be followed by an afternoon of community service at several sites across Boston, including the Pine Street Inn, Greater Boston Food Bank, Mason Pilot Elementary School, Cradles to Crayons, Orchard Gardens Boys & Girls Club, Dudley Street Neighborhood Charter School, and the Vine Street Community Center.

Project 351’s Annual Launch and Service Day is made possible by the leadership partnership of John Hancock; the generous support of Brookfield Renewable Energy Group, Highland Street Foundation, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts, Pfizer, AT & T, and Bank of America; and the partnership of an extraordinary community of educators, non-profit and service organizations, families, and citizens.