A book on Susan B. Anthony and Frederick Douglass produced by students from the School of Imaging & Information Technology (IIT) at Edison with input from children at Enrico Fermi School No. 17 will be unveiled tomorrow.

“Freedom Heroes” will be formally presented at an event on Thursday, May 22 at 5:00 p.m. at the Simply Crepes restaurant in the Bausch & Lomb Public Library Building on South Avenue. IIT students and staff will participate along with local officials, community supporters, and project sponsors. Frederick Douglass and Susan B. Anthony will also make a special appearance.

The project was inspired by Mayor Robert Duffy’s 2006 literacy conference. IIT students also participated in last year’s Frederick Douglass International Railroad Conference & Freedom Festival along with the winners of writing and illustration contests open to students from throughout the city.

Under the direction of Graphic Design teacher Jacquie Holmes, IIT students began by meeting with third graders from School No. 17 to find out what children like in a book and got professional tips from local children’s author Charles Noland. They then produced the piece from start to finish, including research, writing, design, illustration, publishing, and coordination of printing. Senior Jessica Buchiere did the hand-drawn illustrations, and IIT media students captured the entire process in a video documentary.

The book will be donated to third-grade classes throughout the county for the 2008-09 school year. It will also be available at local bookstores and directly from the publisher at www.tmd-enterprises.com <http://www.tmd-enterprises.com/> .

“Our school has taken learning to a new level,” said Kathleen Denaro, Assistant Principal of IIT at Edison. “Students became immersed in a complex project that surpasses the expectations of many professional organizations. The process of learning was the guiding factor, and the impact of what our students have accomplished is truly profound.”

“The Freedom Heroes book project has been an experience of true education with excellent work by the students, faculty, and administration of the School of Imaging & Information Technology at Edison,” said Sister Beth LeValley, who helped coordinate the book process from the beginning. “The book will promote our two local heroes in the wider community and was made possible with the support of many good community institutions and people. It is truly Rochester.”

The project was sponsored by the following: The Rundel Library Foundation, Rochester Education Foundation, Chester & Doris Carlson Charitable Fund, Wegmans Foundation, M&T Foundation, V.J. Stanley, and the Sisters of St. Joseph along with individual donors. It was also supported by Congresswoman Louise Slaughter, Monroe County Executive Maggie Brooks, Mayor Robert Duffy, Superintendent of Schools Jean-Claude Brizard, Interim Superintendent of Schools Bill Cala, and IIT at Edison Principal Bonnie Atkins.