Thornell Road Students Honor Local Veterans with Published Book

In a special ceremony on June 5, 2025, fourth grade students from Pittsford’s Thornell Road Elementary School shared their newly published book, “Our Shining Stars of Freedom: The Stories of Our Veteran Heroes,” with the local veterans who inspired its pages.

As part of a class project led by teacher Mrs. Stevens-Oliver, students interviewed 19 veterans to learn about their service and lives. The resulting book, a collection of those personal stories, was officially presented during a special event at the school attended by the veterans and several distinguished guests.
 

Among those in attendance were Monroe County Executive Adam Bello, Monroe County Legislator Howard Maffucci, Pittsford Town Judge John Bernacki, Monroe County American Legion Commander John Competello, Pittsford Town Historian Vicki Masters Profitt, Pittsford Schools Superintendent Michael Pero, and members of the Board of Education.

During the ceremony, the students shared each veterans' story and presented copies of the book to the Town Historian, the American Legion and the Thornell Road Elementary School library. 

This project is part of the ongoing partnership between Thornell Road Elementary School and the Rayson-Miller American Legion Post of Pittsford. Included in the book are Thornell Road's Head Custodian, Rich Parkison, and Leon Hill, one of the fourth grader's grandfather. 

The class first presented their work at the Pittsford Senior Center in May.