Victoria Mulrain and Cole Milgate are Spencer-East Brookfield Regional School District 2026 Project 351 Ambassadors
SPENCER, MA – On Saturday, January 17, 2026, Victoria Mulrain and Cole Milgate, eighth graders from Knox Trail Middle School, were honored by Lt. Governor Kim Driscoll as Spencer and East Brookfield, MA’s 2026 Project 351 Ambassadors at Project 351’s Annual Launch and Service Day in Boston. Victoria Mulrain, Cole Milgate, and the Class of 2026 were honored for inspiring an ethic of service and values of kindness, compassion, humility, and gratitude. Project 351 is a non-profit organization that empowers a youth-led movement for change, powered by an eighth-grade student representing every city and town in Massachusetts.
“As Superintendent of Schools for the Spencer-East Brookfield Regional School District, I am proud of Victoria Mulrain and Cole Milgate for their exceptional leadership and heartfelt service as Ambassadors in Project 351. Their compassion, dedication, and commitment to building bridges and serving others embody the values we cherish in our schools and community. Victoria and Cole have inspired us all with their drive to make a positive impact, and their example fills me with hope for the future. On behalf of our district,” said Paul Haughey. “I thank them for representing us with dedication and for reminding us that together anything is possible.”
Saturday’s Launch Day honored Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and celebrated a “Revolution of Love”. Victoria and Cole met with more than 450 Ambassadors and Alumni mentors representing the Commonwealth’s 351 cities and towns to kick off a year of leadership development, unifying service, and enrichment. Since 2011, 5,930 Ambassadors have united across all facets of difference to impact 1.5 million neighbors through service.
“Through Project 351, young leaders from every corner of Massachusetts learn to refine their leadership skills, take on challenges, and work together across different lived experiences to help create a better world around them,” said Lieutenant Governor Driscoll. “It is always profoundly meaningful to see the impact these eighth graders make in the lives of those most in need across our state. Each of them, in their own unique way, represents what it means to be part of Team Massachusetts, and we're proud to celebrate with them today.”
Over a year’s term, Ambassadors develop the skills and confidence to create transformative social impact. Guided by high school Alumni mentors, Ambassadors mobilize schools and communities in statewide service campaigns that address the causes and consequences of poverty and expand equity and equality of opportunity. Project 351’s calendar of social impact includes Spring Service in support of Cradles and Crayons, 9.11 Tribute Service in support of Home Base, and Fall Service, which seeks to eradicate hunger through support of hundreds of hometown Food Pantries.
The 16th Annual Launch Day included a morning celebration at Faneuil Hall with Lt. Governor Kim Driscoll, the afternoon of transformational service, and the Service Celebration at the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum. Day one of the Ambassador year was one of inspiration and impact – more than 27,000 neighbors served in partnership with 14 nonprofit organizations, including La Colaborativa, Cradles to Crayons, Hope & Comfort, Home Base, Give n’ Glow, and the Wonderfund, Ambassadors addressed critical issues including hunger, educational opportunity, childhood poverty, mental health and wellness, and care for military and veterans.
“With joy, we welcome our 16th Class of bridgebuilders and change makers!”, said Carolyn Casey, Project 351’s Founder and Executive Director. “At a time of increased division and polarization, these eighth-grade leaders demonstrate the unlimited potential of a Commonwealth united in common cause. We are proud of our Ambassadors’ compassionate leadership and excited for a year of unity, hope, and transformative social change.”
ABOUT PROJECT 351: Project 351 is a social change movement powered by young leaders of vision and values. We build a more just, inclusive, and equitable world by developing change-makers with compassion, courage, and skill. Founded in 2011 in partnership with Governor Deval Patrick, Project 351 engages eighth graders representing Massachusetts’ 351 cities and towns in a five-year Leadership Continuum for skill development, civic engagement, career-readiness, and transformative social impact. Since 2011, 5,930 eighth-grade Ambassadors have united across all facets of diversity to positively impact more than 1.5 million neighbors. As they serve, Project 351 leaders cultivate the values of kindness, empathy, and inclusion; address the causes and consequences of poverty; progress social and racial justice; and strengthen a statewide ethic of youth service and advocacy.
Project 351 is a nonprofit organization powered by the generosity and engaged leadership of partners including Boston Celtics Shamrock Foundation, Anonymous, John Hancock, Blue Cross Blue Shield, The Quin Impact Fund, Massachusetts Association of School Superintendents, and individuals, families, educators, and Alumni from across the state. We are powered by fierce conviction in Dr. King’s vision of the Beloved Community and the wisdom, compassion, and leadership of the 35ONE generation.