Students in TCHS Pickering’s OVR Connections program recently brought the Phoenixville community together to celebrate veterans.

OVR Connections is a program for students transitioning to work or school that helps them connect with the community.

“This program is vital for students; they feel empowered and have confidence in seeing the value they bring to the community,” said Mindy Hughes, an OVR Connections instructor.

The students decided to bring the community together to show appreciation for veterans.

American flags fill the front lawn at TCHS Pickering.

“People tend to forget about veterans until something bad happens, so we wanted to remember them for something positive,” said Dallas Moriarity, a student in the program.

At the start of the school year, OVR Connections gathered staff and students to create holiday cards for hospitalized troops and those serving overseas. In May, it also hosted a Memorial Day service in which Rep. Stephen Barrar, Chairman of the Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee, spoke about his time in the military and the importance of honoring those who have served and those actively serving.

The value the OVR Connections students brought into the community has not gone unnoticed.

“Even if I am not here, I would love to see this program continue to do great things in the future,” said Moriarity.