MANCHESTER-BY-THE-SEA — Two groups of eighth-graders from Manchester Essex Regional Middle School attended and presented their projects at the State Civics Showcase held at the Edward M. Kennedy Institute in Boston last month.
Each spring, the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education celebrates the work of civics students in grades 8-12 across the state. Through the “science fair-style” showcase, the students have the opportunity to share their civics projects with local community advisors, each other, receive feedback on their work and be recognized for their civic engagement efforts.
Manchester Essex Regional Middle School students Kaitelin Aloi, Kendal Shanks and Erika Kozyrev attended the event. The students had been working on their projects since the spring, Superintendent Pam Beaudoin and Principal Joanne Maino said in a joint statement.
Aloi’s project focused on loneliness and the related emotional and health effects experienced by senior citizens. As part of her project, Aloi reached out to the Manchester Council on Aging and organized an event at her church where young people and seniors colored seashells.
Both Shanks and Kozyrev researched the detrimental effects of “fast fashion” on the environment, aiming to raise awareness of the issue through social media.
Fast fashion refers to the rapid production of inexpensive clothing designed to capitalize on current fashion trends. This model prioritizes speed and low cost over durability and ethical production — often leading to significant environmental and social consequences.
Shanks and Kozyrev created a petition to show support for their policy goal of providing tax incentives for sustainable companies.
The pair reached out to state Rep. Tram Nguyen, D-Andover, to support her work to pass legislation to reduce fast fashion in the society.
Keynote speakers at the State Civics Showcase included Secretary of Education Patrick Tutwiler and former state legislator Adam Hines.
The students also presented their projects at the Manchester Essex Regional Middle School’s Local Civics Fair on June 12, which was hosted by civics teacher Joan McWhorter.
Stephen Hagan may be contacted at 978-675-2708, or shagan@gloucestertimes.com.