Our Sister Towns: Building Acton and Boxborough
Alden –
Project: Our Sister Towns: Building Acton and Boxborough
Support: Mentorship and Funding
With Our Sister Towns, Alden is using artistry, architecture, and heart to highlight the vibrant, intertwined communities of Acton and Boxborough. His project? A hand-built, to-scale miniature model of the neighborhoods and businesses that line Mass Ave.
Each tiny building and street corner is a tribute to local character and connection. But Alden’s project is more than a visual delight—it’s a fundraiser, too. Visitors to the installation will be invited to donate, with all proceeds going to local families in need.
By showcasing the everyday beauty of Acton and Boxborough, Alden reminds us that small towns have big stories—and bigger hearts.
🏘️ See Alden’s masterpiece in person and help support neighbors in need at the U-Project Showcase on June 5th at Danny’s Place!
Senior Citizen Prom
Sarah – 12th Grade
Project: Senior Citizen Prom
Support: Mentorship and Funding
What if we could bring the joy of a high school prom to those who often feel forgotten?
That’s exactly what Sarah set out to do with her Senior Citizen Prom—an inclusive, joy-filled event designed to help local seniors reconnect, celebrate, and feel part of the community. Inspired by her time volunteering at senior centers and working with cognitively challenged adults, Sarah recognized the growing isolation many older adults face as they age.
With music, dancing, a shared meal, and genuine connection, this prom is more than just a party—it’s a powerful antidote to loneliness. Sarah is also collecting feedback from attendees to better understand how events like these can improve emotional and social wellbeing among seniors.
Her project beautifully reflects the power of intergenerational empathy, community care, and simple joy.
📅 Come meet Sarah and learn more about her impact at the Spring Celebration on June 5th at Danny’s Place!
The Little Hearts Science Crate
Ayana – 12th Grade
Project: The Little Hearts Science Crate
Support: Mentorship and Funding
What if a childhood memory and a personal loss could spark a movement? For Ayana, that’s exactly what happened.
After the unexpected passing of her grandmother due to unequal access to proper cardiac care, Ayana was inspired to take action. Drawing on her passion for science, community, and justice, she founded Light on the Heart—a nonprofit raising awareness about disparities in cardiovascular care for marginalized communities.
Her latest initiative, the Little Hearts Science Crate, brings hands-on cardiology-themed STEM learning to underserved kids—free of charge. With funding from Danny’s Place and Fetch, Ayana created over 100 kits featuring interactive activities like the Circulation Game, Blood Compatibility, Modeling the Heart, and even building a working stethoscope. Each crate is designed to spark scientific curiosity and plant seeds of health literacy at an early age.
But this project goes beyond science—it’s about empowering young people to explore, ask questions, and see themselves as future changemakers. Ayana’s work has already received recognition from Acton TV, Women Who Win, and the Simple Acts Podcast, and continues to make a growing impact, both locally and nationally.
Come experience Ayana’s story and project up close!
📍 Join us at the Spring Celebration on June 5th at Danny’s Place.
She’ll be showcasing her work alongside other incredible youth projects.
👉 RSVP today at dannys-place.org/celebration and see what happens when young people lead with heart.