Students at Cayuga-Onondaga BOCES are using the skills they’ve learned in the classroom to help the Cayuga County Sheriff’s Office honor local military heroes who paid the ultimate sacrifice.

Graphic Design and New Media instructor Terry Cuddy was recently approached by County Sheriff Brian Schenck to see if his students could assist with the sheriff department’s new "These Heroes Ride with Us" initiative.

For the initiative, students were asked to design magnets that feature information on local veterans who lost their lives protecting America’s freedom. These magnets have since been placed on the back of sheriff’s patrol vehicles.

“The members of our sheriff’s office and I are honored to have the ability to recognize these Cayuga County Veterans through our ‘These Heroes Ride With Us’ program. Thank you to everyone that has helped make this recognition initiative possible. To the families of those that we have lost, we thank you for your sacrifice,” said Sheriff Brian Schenck.

Cuddy said his class, and student Cyrus Russell in particular, put a lot of time and effort into this very important and meaningful project.

“I am very proud of Cyrus' efforts. He researched for the project and learned about each veteran he made a design for. It was a meaningful experience for him and the whole Graphic Design and New Media class,” Cuddy said.

The program was kicked off recently at the Cayuga-Onondaga BOCES campus, with students, sheriffs and families of local military in attendance.

To donate to the program, please send a check or money order addressed and payable to the Cayuga County Deputy Sheriff’s Benevolent Association (CCDSBA), 7445 County House Rd. Auburn, NY 13021 and note that the donation is for the Heroes Program.