The Blackstone Valley

Blackstone Valley Youth Embark as New Community Leaders

On Tuesday, May ^17th 9 outstanding Blackstone Valley students were recognized and congratulated for completing the yearlong Blackstone Valley Youth Leadership Academy (BVYLA), a unique leadership program of the Blackstone Valley Education Foundation that targets ^9th & ^10th grade Blackstone Valley students to "enhance their leadership skills and strengthen their connection to the Blackstone Valley." Students along with their family, friends, past BVYLA alumni, and community leaders gathered at Alternatives Mill in Whitinsville, MA to view the results of their individual community service projects and give recognition for completing this distinctive leadership program.

Projects were initiated back in December as students accessed their community's needs, putting to use the leadership skills gained throughout the program like problem solving, project management, decision making, public speaking as well as creative thinking. Projects were to be implemented by mid-May with the culmination of the graduation ceremony.

The program is developed to allow students to be exposed to the history and culture of their surrounding communities while learning what it means to be a community steward by holding each one of the 11 sessions in a different town throughout the Valley running from November through May, outside of school hours.

Recruitment for the Class of 2012 will begin in early September. Applications will be available online. Please visit www.blackstonevalley.org for more information or contact Julie Salmon at 508-234-9090 x101.

Congratulations to the Class of 2011

Rebecca Arduino, Upton - Blackstone Valley Vocational Tech*
Timothy Born, Millbury - Millbury High School*
Reid Boutin, Uxbridge - Blackstone Valley Vocational Tech
Logan Kasper, Millville - Blackstone Valley Vocational Tech*
Sarah Keith, Northbridge - Blackstone Valley Vocational Tech*
Chris Manning, Hopedale - Hopedale Jr. Sr. High School*
Julia Rabuffo, Sutton - Sutton High School
Michelle Saillant, Sutton - Sutton High School
Megan Sheehan, Northbridge - Hopedale Jr. Sr. High School

*Denotes Perfect Attendance

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About the Education Foundation

The Blackstone Valley Chamber of Commerce Education Foundation, Inc. is the not-for-profit umbrella organization for all Blackstone Valley Chamber of Commerce school-business related activities and cultural programs. Our Mission: To lead and support education that promotes workforce development and enhances the quality of life in the Blackstone Valley.