Personalized gift baskets rest on the bleachers in the Sgt. Brian Walker Memorial Gymnasium at Lucerne Valley High School. Altogether 91 were handed out.
As Lucerne Valley High School’s graduating classes have grown in recent years, so has the spirit of giving.
This year, at the annual Adopt-a-Senior gift basket event on Tuesday, May 13, community donors created personalized gift baskets for 91 members of the LVHS Class of 2025. Each donor selected — or was assigned — a senior and learned about her or his favorite things.
“We had incredible sponsors who have participated in the past as well as new ones,” said Jessica Risler, a school board member and co-organizer of the event since it began in 2020. She gave a special shout out to John P. at Colbi and Sarah Courtney. “I could not have made it happen without my helpers this year, especially Sarah.”
During the luncheon event in the Sgt. Brian Walker Memorial Gymnasium, seniors entered the gym to see baskets of different sizes and colors stuffed with all manner of goodies sitting on the bleachers. After having a lunch provided by Raul’s Illegal Tacos, Principal Jason Story presided over the basket distribution.
Scott and Susan Hert were on hand to give a pep talk to the seniors and hand out graduation leis with $100 bills pinned on each to all 91 seniors. FILE PHOTO
But first, Scott Hert, Jr., of S.S. Hert Trucking in Lucerne Valley gave an inspirational speech of his father’s rise from humble beginnings to overseeing a fledgling family-owned trucking business to about 80 employees today. Mr. Hert, who was accompanied by his wife Susan, also shared how being a LVHS student differed more than two decades ago when he attended. Before the school opened, high school students who lived in Lucerne Valley had to attend Apple Valley High School. If they were involved in sports or extra curricular activities, often they would stay at school and not get home until late. Today Scott Hert and his brothers Chris and Steve run the S.S. Hert Trucking business their father started in 1984. Scott Hert Sr. is semi-retired.
Mr. Hert then announced that the company, as it has done since the beginning of the senior basket program, is giving each graduate a $100 bill, this time pinned to a colorful graduation lei.
After Mr. Hert’s presentation, one by one the baskets were presented to the seniors. Smiles were everywhere. This year, most of the seniors took their baskets intact to be opened later. Then, as Principal Jason Story asked attendees a variety of trivia questions, each senior wrote thank you notes to the donors.
“The community really showed their love and support with one of our biggest classes yet!” Ms. Risler said.
The graduation ceremony for the LVHS Class of 2025 will be held at 7 p.m. on Thursday, May 22 in Ron Peavy Stadium.
Sarah Courtney, who played a key role in this year's event, presents her basket to a senior.
A group of seniors look at their gift baskets.
Keri Gasper presents her gift basket.