The document summarizes the experiences of students participating in the Adam Achievers summer civic engagement program. Over two weeks, the students completed a scavenger hunt in their Main South neighborhood, worked in project groups, interviewed local leaders, and created friendships. Students reflected that the project helped them think differently about their community, see other perspectives, and feel proud of accomplishing difficult work. They learned the importance of teamwork and gained confidence in their own abilities.

1. Adam Achievers
Summer 2013: Civic Engagement

2. These past two weeks have
been filled with challenges,
growth, excitement and
learning.
We hope these pictures and
statements capture some of
our experiences.

3. Our Main South
Scavenger Hunt…

16. “It’s not easy to solve problems,
but you have to “dig deep” and
come up with questions. I truly
feel like this project has made
me think differently about Main
South. I didn’t really have pride
in where I lived.”

36. Counselor Group
Fun…

44. “One of the things I learned
during this project was that not
only doing the project was
important but working as group
is a great way to have a fun
project with different ideas.”

60. Learning in
Electives…

76. Working VERY HARD
in Project Groups…

83. “When I first found out my groups
topic I was scared, because I was
not sure whether I would make it or
not. But now, as I am sitting here at
the computer typing this I can say
that I am grateful. Because again, I
have made success. I have learned
more than I expected and I am
proud of what we accomplished.”

118. Taking a break for
meals in The
Bistro…

128. “We created a beautiful
project, I have learned to try to
see others’ point of view; to try
to understand what they
saying.”

133. Our Interview with
School Committee
Member Tracy
O’Connell Novick…

139. Our Interview with
City Councilor Joe
O’Brien…

145. Our Interview with
Casey Starr of the
Main South CDC…

151. Creating
friendships and fun
in the residence
hall…

156. “When you really think about
what you are doing in this
project you become proud of
yourself because it’s not like
another school research paper,
you are really gathering
information yourself and
calling important people and
talking to them.”

175. “This project makes me feel very
good about myself because I really
didn’t know I could do so much work
in less than a week. This is so
incredible. When I first saw my
packet I thought to myself this is
impossible, all this work in less than
a week? But I did it, I did the
“impossible,” Now I really can’t wait
until next year so I can show my
teachers what work I can do. “