“The CCSR has given me a gift of inspiration. I can mold and shape it into my own present for the world. I have become more aware of the community I have joined and want to help it progress. The things I have learned, the people I have met, and the experience I have gained will allow me to guide others. I am truly thankful for being a part of this amazing group.” Aniaya Crump  – CCSR Student Leader ’21

…I learned that I can make a difference now, and not necessarily 10 years down the line. Through collaboration with other students, I learned that I am not alone. Other students share my passion for service and improvement… What I’ll miss the most about CCSR is its reliability and community. Since the moment I joined, I knew this was a place where anyone is accepted with any idea… this fosters a community of hundreds of students with a basis of kindness and empathy, which is hard to find anywhere else.” Joey Ruemenapp- CCSR Co-President ’21

“I have been a student leader for the CCSR since my sophomore year and it has truly been a great experience! I had the chance to choose what project I wanted to do to help my community which I think is one of the best parts. The CCSR has helped the community of Medford in so many ways,  and I am honored to be a part of it!” Jennifer Dossantos – CCSR Student Leader ’19

The CCSR serves as a great platform that allows students to work collaboratively to change the world on big scales and small. I’ve watched the organization grow from a modest club to one with over 70 members, and everything that has been accomplished can be attributed to the students of the club- who have had the guidence and support from Senor- but mainly it’s the students that are the backbone, which is what makes CCSR so meaningful to me.” Jenny Lu – Former CCSR Co-President ’19

“Being a CCSR student leader has shown me that my actions can impact people positively and that the service I do is not just done in vain… It is easy to get caught up and consumed in your own emotions, magnifying them above all else…

I think the one fear of many people is living their lives and not contributing anything to the world. When you make the world a better place, even very minorly, that fear is chipped away…there is nothing better than seeing something you do mean something…The work I have done with the CCSR means something to me because I know I am making a contribution… I will miss the opportunity it gave other students and myself, which is why I think the CCSR is such a great organization. There are a lot of people who genuinely want to do something impactful but they never do because they do not have a platform to take action. The CCSR is that platform and I will miss it.” Tyler Lam – CCSR Secretary ’21

“The CCSR doesn’t just benefit our community but also creates an environment among students where we all support each other in projects and elsewhere. Not only do I feel accomplished with participation in a project, but by having all my friends in the group I often feel pride and joy because of their projects and success. The environment created by the CCSR is all-around positive and one I would recommend to anyone… Helping people has always been and will always be a passion of mine and a sense of
fulfillment and happiness come with it.

I will miss lots of things in the CCSR. I know I’ll really miss the people but maybe what I will miss most is our fearless leader Mr. Michael Skorker. He is one of the most compassionate and generous people I have ever met. He is always trying to make the world better but he also manages to make all CCSR students feel safe and heard and remembered and special.” Noelani Lasko – CCSR Member ’21

One of the biggest things that I have learned about myself from being in the CCSR is how important being a part of a community is to me. I have always wanted to join an organization such as the CCSR and service has always been an important role in my life, but I did not realize how much the positive community that the CCSR has created would impact me every day. The CCSR has helped me grow emotionally because it has provided me with a support system, and a group of people who will always be there for me, and it has made my weekdays feel much more fulfilling… It feels really good to make an impact on my community and to make the world a better place…

I think the thing that I will miss the most about the CCSR is the sense of community that is felt in all of the meetings and events. Everyone
always brings a positive attitude and a willingness to make the world a better place to live, and I think that I will miss that part the most.”Aidan Barry – Student Leader ’21

From the CCSR, I learned that there are several ways I could help my community without it having to be a massive project. The CCSR helped me learn that the little things matter. I learned projects were more enjoyable with others.

CCSR helped me grow emotionally by giving me a way to give back to my community. It’s allowed me to connect with more people and learn about new things. Working to make the world a better place to live felt good. It felt fulfilling to help others, and I loved being able to make a change in their lives.

What I’ll miss most about CCSR is the community and members. I really like being able to work on projects with my peers where we are all working towards the same goal.” Liana Curcio – CCSR Student Leader ’21

From being in the CCSR for the past 3 years, I learned what it means to truly be a member of the community and what it means to be a good citizen. I learned that although times can be rough, you can always make things better if you look for the silver lining of things. The CCSR helped me grow emotionally by teaching me how to be sympathetic and caring for all…

In short, it feels humbling yet enabling to make the world a better place via the CCSR. I want to be able to do more for this organization, but at the same time, it keeps you level-headed and makes you realize how lucky you are to live in such a kind and accepting city with great opportunities like this. I’ll definitely miss my advisors of the CCSR and I’ll miss the friends I’ve made as a result of my projects. They all mean so much to me and I wouldn’t be here without them.” Colin Bailey – CCSR Treasurer ’21

I was an extremely socially awkward and unaware kid. Joining DECA, and CCSR for me are really my true testimonials for me to grow emotionally…Being in CCSR has helped me understand and be able to have sympathy for others and what they are going through in their lives. Being in the CCSR has also given me an insight in changing the world into a better place…

CSSR has helped me grow as a person and also given me a chance to make a change and show that my hard work will pay off to help others. But out of everything, I will truly miss all of my classmates, friends, and especially my advisors who all have believed in me since day one of everything I have done, from schoolwork to competitions, and my project.” David Mei – CCSR Member ’21

“CCSR has started a revival in the Medford Public Schools to revolutionize education and instill a strong desire in all students to personally stretch themselves and go beyond thinking about their own personal needs. I have had the opportunity to see the student’s excitement and anticipation of working on individualized and group projects that will make a difference for the voiceless and the boisterous in the world they live in. CCSR is comprised of a diverse group of students who are multi-lingual, and multi-ethnic and represent all walks of life who come together in collaboration to make the world a better place… My goal has always been to level the playing field for all students, as education is truly the key that opens the doors of opportunity for us all.“CCSR empowers our students to look beyond themselves and see how they can help others. It reaches all students… and offers them all a seat at the table.” Dr. Marice Edouard-Vincent – Superintendent of Medford Public Schools

“The CCSR has changed the landscape of how young people can enact real change in our schools and in our community. Under the leadership of the very dedicated Mr. Michael Skorker, these students have been empowered to make our world a better place… When I attended the CCSR fairs during the 2017-2018 school year, I was so very impressed by the breadth and depth of the social issues that the CCSR students are addressing within the Medford community and beyond; mature and poised students spoke passionately to me about myriad issues to which they have dedicated hours of their time. Because of the CCSR, young people at our elementary schools have a safe place to find a buddy, people in our community are more aware of issues of hunger and inequity in education, and restorative justice models have begun to be put in place in Medford schools and churches, and that’s just a small sample of the tremendous work they are doing. The CCSR students are an inspiration to all members of the Medford High School community…” David Ambrose – Teacher at Medford High School

“As schools are pushed to focus on academics many of the skills that students need to become emotionally strong productive citizens are ignored. The CCSR project by focusing on these humanitarian skills brings this element of education back into the schools. I have witnessed the excitement of these students as they work on projects to help others and the community. They are so proud of their achievements that benefit others. The projects not only foster empathy for others but also build the social-emotional skills for students that are critically important as they enter adulthood. As an educator, I have seen many projects brought into the school districts. I can honestly say that the CCSR initiative is one of the most worthwhile of all. My hope is that it continues to grow in types of humanitarian projects and the number of students who participate.” Beverly Nelson – Former Deputy Superintendent, Medford Public Schools

“Working with the CCSR has been the most meaningful experience of my teaching career. I have the opportunity to work with students who are so passionate about helping others, giving back to the community, and making the world a better place. They care deeply about our school and are constantly thinking outside of the box as to how to make it better. As their advisor, I learn something from them every single day. It is an understatement to say that they have made me a better teacher, advisor, and a better person. I am inspired by the work of our CCSR Student Leaders, and I am so thankful to be a part of this incredible program. It makes me excited to go to school every day to know that we are truly making a difference.” Michael Skorker – Lead Teacher for SEL, Former Coordinator of the CCSR and MHS CCSR advisor

“…The dire need for social awareness and collaboration is overshadowed by the enormity of high-stakes testing and the push to close achievement gaps…For me, the CCSR provided me a platform. It validated what I knew inside my heart: that children, our future citizens, at their core want to be good people. They drank up the opportunities set up by CCSR to learn more about our military and veterans… Children who avoided each other during the day sat side by side, working together, listening to each other… …In our section of the world of education, the view is becoming brighter and improving every day.” Donna Laskey – M. Ed., Classroom Teacher, Grade 4, Mentor Coordinator, Medford Public Schools

“The CCSR has been a fantastic organization in all of the Medford Public Schools l in helping to make the community a better place to go to school and live. This club knows the way, goes the way and shows the way in which we should all act in a civilized society. The CCSR students and advisers are wonderful role models in our community that do so much good. The CCSR has been wonderful in bringing programming at the middle school level to our students to present initiatives that have helped me improve the culture of our building. I look forward to working with the CCSR in many capacities in my new role as principal at the McGlynn Middle School.” Nicholas Tucci – Principal, McGlynn K-8 School

“The Center for Citizenship and Social Responsibility has helped our student community to learn and give back to others. Additionally, they learn empathy and compassion for various cultures and ethnicities. I am so proud to have these students and their teachers as leaders in our Medford Community.” Diane J. Caldwell – Former Associate Superintendent, Medford Public Schools

“I’m privileged to work with CCSR which is doing seminal work in nurturing young individuals to work together in harmony and to Lead in exemplary ways. Kudos to them for what has already been accomplished and to what magic will undoubtedly unfold in the years to come” Sanjiv Chopra – Professor of Medicine and former Faculty Dean for Continuing Medical Education at Harvard Medical School, Senior Consultant in Hepatology at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and author.

“Thank you for your leadership and support! Its leaders like you who have empowered World Unity, Inc. to persevere with its mission and vision. The school district is very fortunate to have a leader like you in their community!” Sara Ting – President, World Unity Inc.

“I was very impressed by the student leaders who spoke recently at the Medford school board meeting regarding school safety. Rich then explained to me about CCSR. I think these kind of socially aware and responsible young people are clearly who we are seeing make a difference in our communities right now.” Mary Saladna – WCVD reporter

“I was fortunate to be invited to speak last week at a Symposium on Addiction sponsored by The Center for Citizenship and Social Responsibility (CCSR) in the Medford Public Schools.
The Center, which is headed by Richard Trotta, serves a vital need for Medford and is the kind of program that I would hope to see in every community. Congratulations, Rich. You and your group are doing wonderful work in enriching the lives of students and others.” Dr. Robert Brooks – Harvard Medical School and former Director of the Department of Psychology at McLean Hospital

“In 2019, I was invited to Medford High School to witness the collection of project presentations exhibited by the students of The Center for Citizenship and Social Responsibility…As the students set up their displays and projects, I began to speak with the students and inquire about their interest and goals set by their team. The student’s dedication, thoughtfulness and commitment to citizenship and social responsibility was impressive. It definitely made me wish I had been able to participate in this type of social programming…

I have been exposed over the years to understand the need for our young people to prepare for future leadership roles. The Center for Citizenship and Social Responsibility does just that.
What better way to begin a true understanding of the many lives and communities the students will come into contact with throughout their lives. …As the program continues to grow, we need to secure increased funding to ensure more students have the ability to participate in this meaningful program. I look forward to continuing to participate with our young men and women that volunteer their time to The Center for Citizenship and Social Responsibility. I hope you will join our team.” Garin Veris – Former player on the New England Patriots

CCSR – a program that emphasizes the development of character and which understands character as involving caring for the needs of those who are less fortunate and strengthening the community for all… What is often in short supply is the empathy and caring that would actually make us stronger. You are not only adding value in Medford but you are contributing to a new generation that hopefully will become the leaders we all need. Supporting the efforts of the CCSR is extremely important. Citizenship and Social Responsibility are antidotes to so much of the hate, inequality, and disenfranchisement that plague our nation and our communities. I cannot think of anything that is more essential and critical to the future of our children and our society.”Dr. John D’Auria, University of Pennsylvania – GSE Division of Teaching Learning, and Leadership and former president of Teachers21

“The Center For Citizenship and Social Responsibility is a much needed and a remarkable effort to get children involved in understanding and acting on important social issues they otherwise may not recognize or care about. Not only will this have a positive impact on the world around us but it will at the same time help raise the level of self-confidence and self-esteem of thousands of children which truly is the foundation by which anyone can achieve and accomplish anything in their lives.” Dave McGillivray – President, DMSE Sports – race director, philanthropist, motivational speaker

“…Community partnerships are the foundation for Tisch College’s community-engaged teaching, research, and practice. We facilitate community partnerships with more than 150 organizations, connecting academic learning to practice, and the Medford Public Schools’ Center for Citizenship and Social Responsibility is a key partner in an important University host community. Working with CSSR, we are able to advance our shared mission to prepare all young people with the skills and knowledge for a life of service, civic engagement and leadership for social change.” Alan Solomont – Dean, Tisch College of Civic Life, Tufts University

“The Center for Citizenship and Social Responsibility (CCSR) has been beneficial for the Medford Public Schools (district-wide). Not only are students gaining a great learning
experience, but the program has been an asset for individuals as well as organizations. The CCSR program has a truly positive impact on our community, through student’s creativity and collaborative research; they are an example of social change.

It has been wonderful to see projects come to fruition over the past few years and I look forward to another year of success for the CCSR program!” Stephanie Muccini Burke – Former Mayor of Medford Massachusetts

“Our collaboration with CCSR has come up a number of times during our visit to Montana. We have had a great time describing the CCSR program, mission and impact to not only Matt and Jess but some of their friends as well. As we describe the different student lead projects that we have learned about it caused Erin and I to reflect on all the wonderful work and impact on both the students and the greater community. Erin, Bonnie, Cameron along with the Campbell’s are so excited to work with CCSR in the years to come. We are excited to see both the immediate and long term impact that our support can provide to providing students with increased opportunities to learn about leadership, diversity, social and global change!” Elliot Nerland – The Krystle Campbell Foundation

“Engagement with CCSR is a privilege and worthy endeavor. Investing in our future through support of programs to educate our youth on citizenship and cooperation with others is paramount. The greatest gift we can extend to our collective futures is to engage youth in outreach and support of others in need. The benefits are self-evident in the joy one feels while extending themselves to the well-being of another. The fruits of these efforts will prosper generations yet to be.” Thomas M. Walsh – President, The Bridge Center A recreational facility to serve children with both cognitive and physical disabilities.

“Every mile of my personal journey was marked by someone who served as a mentor, role model or source of support encouraging me to chase my dreams. I truly believe that all children deserve the same opportunities to realize their own special gifts and goals in life. It’s up to those of us who precede them to help pave their way, so they can make theirs a better world than the one they’ve inherited. I believe the CCSR experience will help our young people do exactly that.” Mr. Bob Socci, Broadcaster, New England Patriots