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:

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

###