Some high school students in Barrie are connecting with veterans to create art projects inspired by World War II experiences.

The students from Barrie Central Collegiate visited the Waterford Retirement Home to hear stories from veterans firsthand.

Those stories will be the theme of several homemade buttons the students are creating.

The buttons will be a part of a county-wide project that will be on display at the Simcoe County District School Board for the month of November.

Veterans loved having a chance to contribute to the project.

“I think it's terrific,” said World War II Veteran Chris Dennis. “I always like to mix with the younger generation…they're pretty smart you know.”

Some of the veterans admit that reliving their war story is difficult.

“I'd like to keep away from that subject…it brings back too many unpleasant memories,” said Canadian Veteran Lou Pantaleo, who spent two years in a Prisoner Of War camp.

“I still cry before I go to sleep,” said concentration camp survivor Stella Drozdowski. “You can't forget where you come from.”

Hearing from people like Stella creates a new perspective for many students like Grade 11 student Tasha Harasewich.

“You hear and watch movies about it but when you hear it from a person--and you see how much pain they went through, it gives you a huge appreciation for what they did for their country,” she said.

The students will also be bringing what they’ve learned to the stage.

They’ll be creating and performing a play based on the veterans stories on November 11th.