To cap its 20th year helping Dorchester youth fulfill their academic potential, Project D.E.E.P— the Dorchester Educational Enrichment Program— held its annual Volunteer and Student Recognition Night on Friday, May 13, at the Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the United States on Columbia Point.

In 1995, Dorchester native Brendan McDonough founded the weekly one-on-one tutoring program, based out of the Leahy-Holloran Community Center, as an education-first alternative to other neighborhood after-school initiatives.

“Brendan thought there were so many programs geared toward athletics,” Beth Connell, Project D.E.E.P.’s executive director and a Neponset resident, said, “but nothing for academics. He wanted to change that.”

At the send-off evening last month, three tutors were given the Volunteer Recognition Award.
One was Gregg Bailey, a Latin tutor who has volunteered his time and knowledge since Project D.E.E.P.’s inception, prompting Connell to dub him the program’s “unsung hero.”

Joining Bailey were Chris and Nancy Young, who, according to Connell, are the most requested instructors, a product of their passion and reliability throughout the years.

Each has a full-time job, but that doesn’t stop the married couple from working the late shift, 6 to 8:30 p.m.––or from staying even later.

One evening four years ago, Chris Young, as he did quite often, remained at the community center after official hours with then-fifth grader Dunny Mannion. On this particular night, they were running through preparations for Mannion’s pending interview at Thayer Academy.

“They’re great,” Connell said of the Youngs. “They’re genuinely invested personally and would always stay after to help.”

Now, Mannion is finishing up ninth grade at Thayer. He returned to Project D.E.E.P. this year as a tutor, one of a bevy of program alumni to circle back in a volunteer role.

Mayor Martin Walsh was given the organization’s Founder’s Award.

Former New England Patriot and cancer survivor Joe Andruzzi delivered the keynote speech, imparting a message of perseverance and grit. The nine-year NFL veteran was not selected in the 1997 draft, but worked his way onto the Green Bay Packers’ roster and later won three Super Bowls as a starting guard in New England.

It was unclear which the Project D.E.E.P. students would remember better from the recognition night: the speech or donning Andruzzi’s championship jewelry.

“He was flooded immediately after for autographs,” Connell said, “and he brought his rings so the kids could all wear them. They were thrilled.”

On Sunday, June 5, Project D.E.E.P. will be hosting, in conjunction with Blarney Stone Pub, the 13th annual Dorchester Day 5K, the proceeds of which will fund students’ enrollment in summer camps of their choice.