2024 Community Reception
and Book Signing

Thank you for celebrating with us! History came to life, civic pride and gratitude soared, and service was honored.

Veterans

244

Student Authors

205

SYA Volume

20

School Partners

30

Attendees

750

+

Over 750 students, veterans, families, educators, and community members came to our Annual Community Reception and Book Singing to honor the sacrifice of Gold Star Families and service of Veterans whose stories are preserved in Since You Asked XX, and to celebrate 20 years of Connecting Students with Veterans. Thank you to our 20th Anniversary Funders for your publication and book reception support.

View Photo Album
20th Anniversary Funder
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Memorable Moments

Student emcees, a special invocation, scholarships, teacher of the year, Musical Theatre of Anthem, and the book signing all make our Annual Community Reception and Book Signing so memorable.

A Retrospective

What started from a student’s question, has become an amazing mission of Connecting Students with Veterans. This short video takes a look at our beginnings and our growth over the past 20 years.  

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Program Highlights

Gold Star Panel
Panel Presentation
Three Gold Star family members shared the importance of remembering and honoring the memory of their fallen sons, uncles, and cousin, as well as the benefits of connecting with students and fellow Gold Star Families.
Bret Lineburg with Barbara Hatch
Teacher of the Year
Bret Lineburg received the Founder’s Award for Program Excellence for his 8 years leading the Cactus Shadows High School Chapter in completing 279 interviews, publishing SYA Edition 1, & hosting veteran speakers.
2024 Scholars
Scholarships
Eight scholarships in recognition of civic engagement, leadership, and academic excellence were awarded. Excerpts from the student scholarship essays demonstrate the power of lessons imparted by veterans.