Every year on Veteran's Day, Simsbury High School holds a 22-hour Freedom Pen-a-thon to honor our US Veterans and active service members. This fundraising event started in 2016 in honor of 3 SHS alumni, one who was killed in action, and two who took their own lives after struggling with PTSD. We chose the number 22 to bring awareness to the 22 Veterans a day who committed suicide in 2012. The Freedom pens crafted by the students are gifted to veterans and active military units as a token of appreciation for their service. The event also raises funds donated to organizations that support our veterans, including beneficiaries chosen in honor of each alumnus. 

In 2022, we supported six beneficiaries: 22Kill, the Tunxis Community College Veterans' Oasis, the University of Connecticut Waterbury Veterans' Oasis, the Achilles Freedom Team, and the Gary Sinise Foundation.