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 author and comedian, 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 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 and Teacher, TRC Alumni & OG 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,{I don’t think so she’s a parent of alumni, have you confirmed that? She is sister of 3rd TRC student I believe)-, former President of International Dyslexia Association, Fellow Emeritus of Orton Gillingham Academy, Founding Board member of International Dyslexia Association, 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, 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