Page 4 THE REVERE ADVOCATE – FRiDAy, OCTObER 4, 2024 Northeast Metro Tech students win award for Build-a-Bureau 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) T he junior carpentry class at Northeast Metro Tech won an Apex Award for best PR Campaigns, Programs and Plans for Build-a-Bureau. Builda-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 flex warehouse facility in Wilmington. RON’S OIL Call For PRICE MELROSE, MA 02176 NEW CUSTOMER’S WELCOME ACCEPTING VISA, MASTERCARD & DISCOVER (781) 397-1930 OR (781) 662-8884 100 GALLON MINIMUM 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 first 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 clients were children – Finished product many victims of domestic violence. They are currently aiding 10 children a week. The Apex Awards is a national competition for communications programs in which 1,100 entries were evaluated across 13 categories. Ninetythree 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 certificates and a breakfast made by the culinary class. For some students, this was the first award they had ever won. Northeast Metro Tech is a TECH | SEE Page 8
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