The John F. Kennedy Hyannis Museum’s Education Committee is dedicated to fostering civic engagement with all students, prekindergarten through high school. Our Annual Ambassadorship Day puts a spotlight on public service for our Cape and Islands’ high school students. This day is dedicated to direct interaction between high school students and professionals employed in a wide variety of appointed and elected public service positions.

Annual Youth Ambassadorship Day – April 6, 2018

The John F. Kennedy Hyannis Museum hosted 67 students, 15 faculty members, and 10 panelists for our annual Youth Ambassadorship Day. Our 2018 theme was “Civic Engagement: Public Service,” and the ten panelists, all civically engaged in public service, shared their professional experiences with the students.

The day began with a tour of the John F. Kennedy Hyannis Museum led by John Allen, the Museum’s President. This was followed by a fantastic lunch at Alberto’s Ristorante. Welcoming comments were given by Dr. Peter Ubertaccio, President of the Museum Foundation.

Representative Joseph P. Kennedy III provided our keynote address. He complimented the students who were selected based upon their demonstrated interest and involvement in public service. He thanked our panelists for standing up as role models. He implored the students “you have the unique power to shape your community and your country. You cannot be derided or dismissed. You will shape our future because it rests in your sturdy strong hands.”

Ten Volunteer Panelists

The ten panelists who volunteered to participate in our program led our three afternoon breakout sessions. They shared their professional experiences and the pathways they each followed to their current positions. The John F. Kennedy Hyannis Museum Board and staff members thank the panelists for their dedication and leadership.

Local appointed panelists included: Mr. Bud Dunham, Sandwich Town Manager; Mr. Mark Ells, Barnstable Town Manager; and Ms. Meg Mayo-Brown, Barnstable Superintendent of Schools.

Local elected panelists included: Ms. Barbara Dunn, Barnstable School Committee; Mr. Mark Forest, Yarmouth Selectman; and Mr. Joseph Tierney, Dennis-Yarmouth Regional School Committee Chairperson.

State elected panelists included: Senator Julian Cyr, Cape and Islands; District Attorney Michael O’Keefe, Cape and Islands; Representative Sarah Peake, 4th District, Barnstable; and Representative Tim Whelan, 1st District, Barnstable.

Get Involved

The JFK Hyannis Museum will continue to host civic engagement opportunities for students based on the high level of interest and tremendous Cape-wide participation in our 2018 Ambassadorship Program.

To inquire about the Youth Ambassadorship Day Program or to learn about our other educational programs please fill out the email form below.