Page 2 THE MALDEN ADVOCATE–Friday, October 4, 2024 Northeast Metro Tech students win award for Build-a-Bureau Special to Th e Advocate T he junior carpentry class at Northeast Metro Tech won an Apex Award for best PR Campaigns, Programs and Plans for Build-a-Bureau. Build-a-Bureau is a pilot program funded by Camber Development and Dacon Corporation’s Designed with Dignity philanthropy in which 32 students are constructing three-drawer bureaus for shelter children transitioning into apartments. This grant was given to mark the commencement of 800 Salem, a 238,000-square-foot fully electric fl ex warehouse facility in Wilmington. Massachusetts has the third highest rate of homeless families – after New York and California – due to economic decline and the right-to-shelter law. Currently 7,268 families are enrolled in the Commonwealth’s shelter system. Often children keep their clothes in trash bags, one of the dehumanizing aspects of furniture poverty. These bureaus represent permanency, and for many it is their fi rst new piece of furniture. The furniture is being distributed by Mission of Deeds, a turnaround organization where sheltered families can shop for household goods for free. Last year, 45% of their Need a hall for your special event? The Schiavo Club, located at 71 Tileston Street, Everett is available for your Birthdays, Anniversaries, Sweet 16 parties and more? For more info, call (857) 249-7882 8 Norwood St. Everett (617) 387-9810 Open Tues. - Sat. at 4:00 PM Closed Sun. & Mon. Announcing our Classic Specials Dine In Only: * FREE Salad with purchase of Entree, Tuesdays & Wednesdays * Cheese Pizza - Only $10 Catch ALL The Live Sports Action On Our Large Screen TV’s Scan & Follow Us on Facebook! Students enjoyed a continental breakfast prepared by Northeast Metro Tech’s culinary program. clients were children – many victims of domestic violence. They are currently aiding 10 children a week. The Apex Awards is a nationwww.810bargrille.com al competition for communications programs in which 1,100 entries were evaluated across 13 categories. Ninety-three PR initiatives were submitted for Campaigns, Programs and Plans. “Build-a-Bureau: Harvesting Vocational Talent to Help Sheltered Children” was one of 12 programs nationwide given a Grand Award for this category. It was the only program submitted run by high school students. They were surprised with a ceremony marked by certifi cates and a breakfast made by the culinary class. For some students, this was the fi rst award they had ever won. Northeast Metro Tech is a spirited school of 1,250 students from 12 communities north of Boston who are educated in 17 career areas. The school receives over 1,500 applications yearly, of which 360 are selected based on performance. This is their fi rst furniture program. Dacon Chief Communications Offi cer Lauren Nowicki notes, “Vocational schools are an excellent source for talent and leadership training. These students demonstrate how teenagers can actively contribute to solving societal problems. We thank our friends at Camber Development and Mission of Deeds for this group eff ort to aid underserved children.” A student of the junior carpentry class works on a bureau that will be donated to shelter children transitioning into apartments. Wilmington’s 800 Salem, a 238,000-square-foot fully electric flex warehouse facility (Artist’s rendering) Howard Seplowitz (far left), a volunteer at Mission of Deeds, joined the junior carpentry class at Northeast Metro Tech, Assistant Principal John O’Brien (center) and Carpentry Instructor Bruce Secor as the class was awarded an Apex Award for best PR Campaigns, Programs and Plans. (Courtesy photos) Northeast Metro Tech Finished product
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