Annual Shining Stars Event
The 2025 Shining Stars Event will be held on Saturday, November 1, 2025 from 6:00pm-8:30pm at the Rochester International Event Center.
Guest Speaker, Comedian and Author, Phil Hanley
This year for your annual Shining Stars Event we’re bringing in internationally known comedian, Phil Hanley, who recently published the book SPELLBOUND: My Life as a Dyslexic Wordsmith to deliver personal, insightful, and humorous comments. A limited number of guests will have the opportunity to attend an exclusive book signing with Phil Hanley. We will induct nine new alumni and other successful dyslexic individuals into our Reading Center Hall of Fame.
About Phil Hanley, our Guest Speaker: Originally from Oshawa, Canada, Phil is now a key figure in the NYC comedy scene, performing regularly at the Comedy Cellar. He’s appeared on major late-night shows like The Tonight Show, Late Night with Seth Meyers, and The Late Late Show. Hanley’s memoir, SPELLBOUND: My Life as a Dyslexic Wordsmith, chronicles his lifelong struggle with dyslexia and how comedy became his saving grace. Hanley’s goal in writing this book is to continue his advocacy for dyslexia awareness and his commitment to using his platform to inspire others and to promote a deeper understanding of neurodiversity. Check him out on YouTube, Comedy Central and iTunes.
2025 Hall of Fame Inductees
Jeff Butorac, MS - Author of Inner Rival, former College and Highschool athletic coach, current manager and teaching pro at Rochester Tennis Connection
Charles Day, PhD - Senior Scientist, Cellular Dynamics at Hormel Institute, Parent of TRC student
Kurtis D. Johnston - Retired US Navy Missile Technician 1st class/SS and special education teacher, TRC Alumni & O-G Institute Trainee
Phil Hanley - Comedian and Author of SPELLBOUND: My Life as a Dyslexic Wordsmith
Marcia Kierland Henry, PhD - TRC founding staff, Professor Emeritus, San Jose State University, TRC Founding Board Member, former President of International Dyslexia Association, Fellow Emeritus of Orton-Gillingham Academy, Founding Board member of International Dyslexia Association (IDA), Upper Midwest Branch, author of structured literacy titles
Nolan King - Owner of King Architectural Concrete & Construction, LLC and Crop Farmer, TRC Alumnus
Jeffrey Siljenberg, MFA - Cinematographer, TRC Alumnus
Dan Soderberg - President of Palmer Soderberg, Inc., TRC Alumnus
Arlene Sonday, MA - Early TRC staff member, author of the Sonday System, Founding Fellow, Fellow Emeritus and First President of Orton-Gillingham Academy, Founding Board member of International Dyslexia Association (IDA), Upper Midwest Branch
Champion of Literacy Award Recipient:
Representative Dr. Patricia Mueller, Ed.D Representative for MN House District 23B, Member of Education Finance Committee and Education Policy Committee. Former K-12 educator
