BOSTON – Senator John Kerry today congratulated 22 Massachusetts young people on their graduation from the AmeriCorps NCCC (National Civilian Community Corps) program.

Members serve in communities across the nation, and respond to needs that are identified by community-based organizations, such as projects that address critical needs in the environment, education, youth services, housing and hunger.

“These 22 young people have answered our country’s call to service. Massachusetts is proud to be home to such inspiring young men and women making a difference,” said Senator John Kerry.

The 22 Massachusetts grads worked on various projects, including the following:

· assisted families thousands of families in disaster areas in the Gulf Coast, Tennessee, Arkansas and Oregon;

· spent countless hours tutoring elementary school children;

· constructed playgrounds across the nation;

· constructed new homes with Habitat for Humanity affiliates and Hands On organizations; and

· responded to wildfires in California, Arizona and New Mexico

The graduates will complete their service on Wednesday, July 30th.

Massachusetts graduates and their hometowns:

Name Hometown

Bradley Buitenhuys Andover

Ryan Campbell Barnstable

Abigail Long Boylston

Robert Conceison Burlington

Valerie Schmidt Carlisle

Elizabeth Condon Falmouth

Georgia Fowler Framingham

Jillian Amrich Franklin

Jeffrey Prentky Hanover

Jenifer Wade Hopkinton

Stacy Desnoyers Hudson

Shelby Allen Marstons Mills

Holly Foster Marstons Mills

Jessica Bethoney Needham

Megan Giroux North Attleboro

Abbey Logan Newburyport

Katie Kaplan Newton

Emma Shapiro Newton

Elena Swartz Newton

David Goldenberg Waban

Ethan Siegel West Newton

Nikkole Ruley Weymouth

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