Local Schools Score Big with Celtics Playbook Initiative

The Butler Middle School and Adams Middle School are proud to announce their selection as the exclusive participants from their regions in the esteemed Celtics Playbook Initiative. This distinctive program, in collaboration with Project 351, the Celtics Shamrock Foundation, and New Balance, offers students unparalleled opportunities for personal and leadership development. 

The Celtics Playbook Initiative empowers young leaders through anti-racism and anti-bias education, emphasizing teamwork and service-based leadership. High school trainers guide middle school students in courageous conversations about identity-based issues, fostering bridge builders and upstanders. Trainers from Innovation Academy and Holliston High School engage in a “Playbook season” of skills development and community building, reflecting the Boston Celtics’ commitment to social and racial justice and Project 351’s mission for strong, united communities. 

The program will kick off with two transformative workshops: the first at Butler Middle School on January 21 and the second at Adams Middle School on February 4. These workshops will culminate in a Day of Action, where students will apply their newly developed skills to make a positive impact in their communities. Jay Patel, lead trainer from Holliston, expressed enthusiasm, stating, “I was overjoyed to see how the middle-schoolers dove into courageous conversations with confidence and initiative.” 

Jaime Moody, Principal of Butler Middle School, remarked, “We are thrilled to be part of the Celtics Playbook Initiative. This is a wonderful opportunity for our students to grow as leaders and contribute meaningfully to their community. We are grateful to the Celtic Shamrock Foundation, New Balance, and Project 351 for making this possible.” 

Neyder Fernandez, Community Schools Program Manager, emphasized, “Creating meaningful partnerships is crucial for empowering the next generation of leaders. The Playbook Initiative exemplifies the positive impact that these efforts can have on our students and the community.” 

The Celtics Playbook Initiative showcases the benefits of the full-service community school model, providing students with invaluable experiences that foster personal growth, leadership, and a deep commitment to community service. It empowers students while enriching the entire community by promoting a culture of collaboration and active citizenship. 

Addario Miranda, lead trainer from Lowell, shared, “The workshop was filled with joy and understanding. This was my first playbook workshop ever, and I couldn’t have had a more welcoming community to support me. Students from Lowell and Holliston have created the perfect space for courageous conversations! I’m so grateful for this opportunity and cannot wait to continue giving back to my community during our next workshop.”