To help kick off their Civics Action Projects, 8th grade students had a chance to hear from five local civic leaders last Wednesday during a panel discussion entitled "Creating Positive Change in Our Communities". Every 8th grade student in Massachusetts is required to complete a project to demonstrate their understanding of how citizens can contribute to their communities. The panelists included Sarah Wilkerson, Vice-Chairwoman of Rockport Board of Selectmen, Gloucester Mayor Greg Verga, State Representative Ann-Margaret Ferrante, School Committee Chairperson Michael Kelley, and Randy Chapman, First Justice of Salem District Court. Following the panel discussion, students discussed their project ideas with two of the panelists in small groups. Special thanks to all our special guests for taking time out of their day to come to RMS!