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APRIL 21, 2026—Members of the Pal-Mac National Junior Honor Society (NJHS) recently wrapped up a heartwarming, spring-long community service project that gave back to those who served.

As part of the “Student Salute” initiative, NJHS members prepared 60 care kits that were given to veterans departing on a special Honor Flight mission. The program, which Pal-Mac has worked with many times, transports veterans to Washington DC to honor and celebrate them for their service and sacrifices.

The students spent two weeks working together to fill the kits with everything from candy, commemorative flags, and other comforts. The kits were presented to the veterans just ahead of their flight on Friday. 

“I think it's really nice to be able to give back to the veterans because they served our country,” said Ben, an eighth grader.

But the effort wasn’t done there. In addition to presenting the kits, Ben, and some fellow NJHS members greeted the veterans as they returned home on Sunday at the Frederick Douglass Greater Rochester International Airport.

Members flew American flags, held up posters, and worked up a few short conversations.

“It was really fun to see them all,” said Morgan, a seventh grader.

The project proved to be especially meaningful for Morgan and her fellow member, Lucien. Both had grandparents who served in the Armed Forces.

“It felt really good, Lucien said. “I got to shake a lot of veteran’s hands.”

The project was made possible by an $800 grant from the National Association of Secondary School Principals. The grant allowed the group to create the care kits. Additionally, a volunteer from honor flight joined the students as they created the kits together. 

“We had a lot of fun working together on that,” Ben said. “It was a really cool experience.”