IMPRINTS OF HONOR

Our program is conducted through school chapters (clubs.) Guided by a trained teacher who volunteers to serve as a Chapter Advisor, students complete our curriculum and program activities over the course of a school year. Students learn the history behind military conflicts from World War II to the War on Terror, videography and photography basics; and communication skills in preparation to interview a veteran. The recorded oral history video interview is preserved in the Library of Congress. Students write, edit, and publish the veterans stories in a student produced hard-bound book, Since You Asked. Schools collaborate to plan and host community events at the end of the school year to honor their veterans and present the completed work with a book signing open to the public. Participating students and veterans each receive a free book, and additional copies are available for sale. The books are also donated to the Library of Congress. Additional enrichment activities include Veterans Day events, veteran classroom presentations or school assemblies, and scholarships.Program Outcomes-3 editions of published veteran stories-245 veteran legacies preserved-7 book receptions-3,700+ students educated by 33 veteran presentations-41 civic engagement activities-23 scholarships totaling $108,475 awardedGraduating Student Outcomes-83% developed ongoing mentoring relationships with veterans-95% improved writing; 97% improved listening-90%+ reported higher leadership, collaboration, and critical thinking skills-95% increased understanding of civic responsibility-100% have appreciation for servicesVeteran Outcomes-82% found the interview experience cathartic or healing-27% shared their story for the first time-100% would recommend participation to another veteran-97% rated the quality of the final publication as Exceeded Expectations-92% rated the book signing as Exceeded Expectations

Imprints of Honor awards eight scholarships to high school seniors who have been active in a school Chapter for a minimum of two years. Students must have a teacher recommendation and compete via essay contests, where they describe how veterans have impacted their character and encouraged their future, or how they have been of service to their school chapter and veteran community. The awards include a commemorative medal, a one-time $1000, $1500, $2000, $2500 or $3000 scholarship payable to the student; and one $17,500 renewable award up to four years, credited to the student's account at their selected institute of higher learning. Each scholarship is presented at our culminating program activity, the Annual Community Reception and Book Signing. We also partner with the Arizona Veterans Hall of Fame Society (AVHOFS), who provides three additional scholarships for our students. These awards are presented directly to the students at AVHOFSs annual Patriotic Luncheon. We purchase a table for $500 to attend the event with the students, and their families and teachers.This year, nine additional honorable mention scholarships were awarded as a one-time gift, based on the generosity of a scholarship reviewer who wanted all submitted essays to be recognized, because I was overwhelmed by the quality of their writing, the content that each shared, and the impact Imprints of Honor had on their young lives.