Every movement starts with a single spark.
For Soldiers, Scouts, Students, that spark began in the Leicester Public Library, when Librarian Suzanne Hall encouraged documenting the town’s historical markers and monuments before their stories faded.
Her idea — to preserve local history digitally — planted the seed for what would become Soldiers, Scouts, Students.
What started as a conversation about history and accessibility grew into a framework for service, storytelling, and civic pride, inspiring students, Scouts, and veterans to take part in bringing history to life across generations.
How It Began
Suzanne’s dedication to preserving local history inspired the first steps toward what would become Soldiers, Scouts, Students. What began as a plan to photograph and digitize Leicester’s monuments soon evolved into a movement that combined service, storytelling, and community connection.
As Phil Olivo reconnected with the community through the Leicester Business Association and local Scout troops, the project found new momentum. Drawing on lessons from Scouting and a lifelong connection to central Massachusetts, Phil helped unite students, Scouts, veterans, and town leaders to restore Leicester’s Gold Star Squares — privately funded, community-driven, and youth-led.
The effort didn’t stop there.
Inspired by Leicester’s success, neighboring Spencer, Massachusetts soon joined in — connecting the story of Brian Sweeney, a local hero lost on 9/11, with students and residents through a simple QR code linking to the National 9/11 Museum archives.
What started as a library conversation grew into a living framework — one that shows how service and history can unite generations, and how local pride can ripple nationwide.
“Not everyone can visit every monument in person — accessibility issues, distance, and time all play a role. Digitizing these stories makes them visible to everyone, preserving our shared history for generations to come.”
— Suzanne Hall, Director, Leicester Public Library“This project began with one idea — to honor veterans and preserve local stories — but it became something much larger: a way for students, Scouts, and neighbors to come together through service and history.”
— Phillip Olivo, Founder, Soldiers, Scouts, Students
What began in Leicester and Spencer now stands as a model for communities everywhere — preserving the past, inspiring service, and connecting generations through history.