Hello Changemakers - from all of us here at United Way Youth Venture (UWYV), and Changemaking.

We hope this email finds you well and brimming with anticipation for another exciting edition of our monthly newsletter! And a huge welcome to any new readers, we are so happy you’re here, and know you will enjoy this month’s edition.

As the academic year nears its end, we are thrilled to bring you a delightful array of updates, achievements, and heartwarming stories from our vibrant community.

• Newly Launched Youth Venture Teams

We're thrilled to introduce four new Youth Venture teams that have recently launched. Get ready to be inspired by their ambitious projects and join us in supporting their journey towards positive change.

• Video Updates from Previous Ventures

Our previously launched Venture Teams have been making incredible strides since their inception. In this newsletter, we'll share exciting updates from these ongoing projects, highlighting their progress, impact, and the latest developments. Moreover, we're very excited to provide you with exclusive access to brand-new videos showcasing the impactful community projects undertaken by these Ventures. Prepare to be amazed as you witness the transformative power of youth-driven initiatives firsthand.

• Announcing Scholarship Winners

On May 9th, we had the privilege of attending the United Way of North Central Massachusetts’ Community Celebration event, where we celebrated the remarkable achievements of our exceptional students and charitable community business leaders. We are delighted to announce the winners of the prestigious scholarships awarded during this event. Join us in recognizing these outstanding individuals who embody dedication, leadership, and a profound commitment to making a difference.

We're incredibly grateful to all our dedicated educators, supportive parents, engaged administrators, and passionate community members for fostering an environment that nurtures and empowers our youth to become Changemakers. Your unwavering encouragement and invaluable contributions make it possible for these inspiring initiatives to thrive.

Thank you for your continued support, and enjoy the exciting contents of this newsletter!

~Lauren, Rachel, Rohanji - the United Way Youth Venture Team!



Exciting News! We are thrilled to announce the recent launch of an incredible Venture, led by two remarkable sophomores from Parker Charter School in Devens.

On May 19th, amidst a panel of esteemed community members and teachers, they unveiled their visionary project called "Pennies for Players."

This dynamic team aims to make a difference by organizing a captivating penny war competition within their advisory classes. The objective is to raise funds for Nashoba Valley Ultimate Basketball (NVUB), a cherished local basketball league that caters to children with disabilities.

As the penny war unfolds, each advisory class will compete against one another, passionately collecting money and spare change to contribute to this worthy cause. The advisory that emerges triumphant by gathering the highest amount of money will be rewarded with either a delightful pizza party or a scrumptious coffee and donut party.

This spirited endeavor demonstrates the power of unity, compassion, and the determination to create positive change within our community.

We are thrilled to share an inspiring story of compassion and action from the students of Toy Town Elementary School in Winchendon.

In April, the “Toy Town Stars” embarked on a remarkable Venture with a two-fold plan to support abandoned and abused animals in our community.

As part of their plan, these dedicated students undertook the task of creating a commercial-style video. Their goal was to raise awareness about the heartbreaking issue of abandoned and abused animals while encouraging viewers to take action and support local organizations like Ahimsa Haven Animal Rescue, Winchendon Animal Control, and Gardner Animal Control.

In addition to their awareness campaign, the students meticulously organized a detailed fundraiser. They poured their creativity and hard work into handcrafting delightful dog and cat toys, as well as delicious dog treats. Their labor of love culminated in the sale of these items at the highly anticipated Annual Taste of Winchendon Event, held on May 13th.

With their marketing skills and dedication, the students successfully showcased and sold their handmade creations, capturing the hearts of event attendees. We are thrilled to share that their efforts paid off, as they raised an impressive sum of over $500! These proceeds will be donated to the aforementioned animal shelters, making a tangible difference in the lives of these vulnerable animals.

Furthermore, we are delighted to inform you that the students collaborated with the talented team at Creative Eye Productions to create an impactful video. This powerful visual representation of their cause and mission is now available for you to watch and be inspired.

We are delighted to share a heartwarming story of creativity and unity from the students of Crocker Elementary's 21st Century Afterschool program. On May 3rd, they proudly launched their inspiring project, which aimed to revitalize their playground through the restoration of a picnic table.

Crocker Elementary recently commenced construction on a new school situated directly behind the current building. As a result, the students lost access to their main playground, and they all began utilizing a smaller playground that was originally intended for younger grades. In their unwavering determination to enhance the space they now find themselves confined to, the students embarked on an incredible journey to rejuvenate a worn-out and neglected picnic table adjacent to the playground.

With sheer dedication, the students invested multiple days in sanding the over 8-ft-long table, meticulously priming it, applying a base coat of paint, carefully planning a design, and skillfully painting it onto the surface. Their vision was to create a space where fellow students could feel inspired, loved, and connected to the larger Crocker community—a place where they truly belong. The table proudly bears the powerful message, "If you can dream it, you can achieve it," serving as a daily reminder of the students' unlimited potential. Additionally, the benches are adorned with inspiring sayings and pictures, lovingly added by the students.

We invite you to witness the remarkable transformation of the picnic table and experience the love and creativity these students have poured into their project. Through their efforts, they have crafted a space where imagination thrives and the sense of belonging is amplified.

A remarkable story of determination and advocacy from the students of McKay Elementary's 21st Century Afterschool program: On May 15th, they embarked on a mission to ignite change on their beloved playground.

These insightful students recognized the pressing need to enhance the safety of their playground, which currently harbors numerous hazards. They also identified a significant concern: their playground feels inadequate for a school with over 500 students. They firmly believe that with a larger and safer playground, students would experience increased enjoyment, enhanced safety, and greater enthusiasm for attending school.

However, the students soon discovered that McKay's campus is owned and maintained by Fitchburg State University. Undeterred by this challenge, they devised a brilliant plan to communicate their aspirations directly to the university. Their strategy involved writing, directing, and editing their own compelling video that would showcase their heartfelt desire for a better playground. The video would also shed light on the daily safety hazards they encounter, urging the university to take action. These young Changemakers fervently hope that their voices will be heard, igniting positive transformations in their environment.

We invite you to support these remarkable students by watching their video and joining them in their quest for a safer and more engaging playground. Together, we can amplify their message and inspire the change they seek.

Video Updates and Results From Previously Launched Teams

By watching these videos, we not only support and appreciate their remarkable efforts but also gain inspiration to make a difference in our own lives and communities. Let's come together to celebrate the accomplishments of these extraordinary young individuals.

Remember the incredible team we featured in our last edition?

The Roadrunner Helpers of Reingold Elementary in Fitchburg have made remarkable strides since their launch in March, displaying unwavering dedication to assist the 49 homeless elementary school students in Fitchburg with a toy drive.

Now, we invite you to witness the impact and enthusiasm of the Roadrunner Helpers firsthand.

We are thrilled to announce the release of a captivating video, produced in partnership with Creative Eye Productions, which beautifully encapsulates the heartwarming event.

Last month, we introduced you to the incredible team of young environmentalists, the Devoted Daring Dragons from McKay Elementary School in Fitchburg. Their ambitious project, aimed at creating a cleaner and greener community, was officially launched in May with great enthusiasm. Today, we are thrilled to share an exciting update!

True to their commitment, the team dedicated two days to make a tangible impact. Armed with determination and a passion for change, they tirelessly worked to pick up trash, scrub away graffiti, spread mulch, and give a fresh coat of paint to worn-out benches. Their efforts not only transformed the appearance of our community but also set an inspiring example for all of us.

The remarkable cleanup days were expertly captured on film by the talented Creative Eye Productions team. We are thrilled to announce that the final cut of their awe-inspiring video is now ready for you to watch!

Scholarship Winners

On May 9th, the United Way of North Central MA hosted a Community Celebration event at Wachusett Mountain where our very own Lauren Mountain presented the scholarship awards for the Phil Grzewinksi Innovative Leadership Award and Bob Chauvin Leadership Award. We want to take a moment to recognize the young Changemakers who were awarded these scholarships:

Phil Grzewinski Innovative Leadership Award $2,000- “In recognition of your visionary leadership as a community changemaker within North Central Massachusetts and through the United Way Youth Venture Program to our community this academic year.”

Gray Dallaire is a Leominster High School senior driven to create positive change in other people’s lives by bringing them joy. He took the helm of the Holiday Spreaders team two years ago when the former president and teammates left for college. 

In his own words, “you visit once and get it…the joy we can bring and the difference we make…you want to come back for more.” More than just a good time however, Gray keeps focus on the ultimate goal of their visits with patients to stimulate activity and motor functions while creating connections with people outside of their home. As a sophomore and sole member of the team, It became his urgent responsibility to recruit other students, mentoring and teaching them how to work with the patients. 

COVID-19 created some particularly difficult challenges. In order to continue working with highly susceptible patients, he led efforts to continue their work through online trivia games, science fairs, singing competitions and more.

Gray is passionate about expanding the rights of young people by leading efforts at his school to create a student bill of rights and develop a local government course. He fills the rest of his time with numerous other leadership roles: Varsity Captain of both Lacrosse and Field Hockey, where he was the first male field hockey player on the team; Boys State, National Honor Society, and Student Council. He has a keen interest in natural science, conservation, and animal welfare and will be attending Iowa State University with hopes to become a biologist within our National Parks.

Bob Chauvin Leadership Award $2,000-“In recognition of your extraordinary capacity to identify areas of leadership need in the North Central Massachusetts community and develop creative solutions that drive change through the United Way Youth Venture Program.”

Kaitlyn Perrault is also a member of Holiday Spreaders, joining after Gray, and immediately becoming invaluable to the team for her leadership and problem-solving skills. In addition to recruiting new members and mentoring them, Kaitlyn is someone who innately understands leadership and how to authentically build community. Whether building participation for activities with hesitant elderly residents or figuring out how to connect with the Alzheimer’s community across circumstances and generations, Kaitlyn approaches obstacles with passion, empathy, and courage, modeling the way for others. 

Kaitlyn has a long record of leadership and was part of three previous Venture Teams in middle school before joining up with Holiday Spreaders. She holds executive leadership roles on student council, S.T.U.M.P (students for the transparency and understanding of municipal politics), and National Honor Society. There wasn’t a mock trial or Debate Team, so Kaitlyn created new clubs and advisors. She is captain of her Varsity Volleyball and Varsity Tennis teams, and when the freshman volleyball team was down a coach this past fall, Kaitlyn became their coach for the season. 

Kaitlyn is a star student. She wanted to take AP Comparative Government and her high school did not offer the class, so she taught herself and inspired students in younger grades to do the same. Kaitlyn is working hard to support her community and also prepare herself for a bright future. As a triplet, you can imagine planning for college financing--Kaitlyn works at Starbucks as a barista to save money. Besides hopefully getting a well-deserved rest this summer, she will be moving to Bloomington, Indiana where she will study law and public policy at Indiana University.