All LVHS Seniors gather along with event organizers Sarah Courtney, left, and Jessica Risler, right. Peter Day/Photo
Wednesday, May 13, 9:05 a.m.
Once again the community of Lucerne Valley is overflowing with generosity as 82 personalized gift baskets filled to the brim with goodies were handed out to Lucerne Valley High School seniors at the 6th annual Adopt-a-Senior gift basket event on Monday, May 11th.
And the recipients — all of whom immediately wrote personalized thank you notes to the donors after the event — were ecstatic with their gifts.
“One of the funny quotes of the day from one of the students said, ‘Now we can never move out of this community. They really do love us!’” said school board member Jessica Risler, who founded the event in 2000 with the help of a small group of likeminded Lucerne Valley residents wanting to help the students during the pandemic. “These kids are so amazingly humble. We hadn’t announced they could open their baskets and not a single one touched their baskets to get their goodies. They’re so sweet!”
From left, Jessica Risler, Vici Miller and Amanda Nichols had out the last of 82 senior gift baskets on Monday, May 11th. Peter Day/Photo
But their patience paid off as the baskets, each with $100 worth and more of goodies, were filled with items tailored to the student. Many received career-focused items such as welding gear that included helmet and gloves, nursing gear such as a stethoscope, clip board and blood pressure cuff. Students alsoreceived hobby items such as boxing gloves, riding gear, and painting supplies. There was clothes, shoes, snacks, and lots of gift cards. Students from Mr. Michael Haecker’s CTE class created custom tumblers for each senior.
Ms. Risler gave a special thanks to Sarah Courtney, a highly involved parent who has served in numerous volunteer capacities and is instrumental in the Adopt-a-Senior gift basket event.
For many years of the event, S.S. Hert Trucking in Lucerne Valley led the way in giving, providing each high school senior with a crisp $100 bill. This year, Mitsubishi Cement Corp. (which is no stranger to giving to Lucerne Valley schools) was the event grand sponsor, paying for the taco truck lunch and loads of raffle prizes.
At the close of the event, Principal Jason Story told the seniors that they can do anything that they imagine.
Mr. Story added, “You come from a great community. Lucerne Valley does all this to support you and you’re going to find over the next few days, at Senior Awards Night and at graduation that this community loves you and is rooting for you. Your future is at your fingertips. Whatever you want to do, you can do.”
Commencement exercises for LVHS Class of 2026 will be held at 7 p.m. on Thursday, May 21 at Ron Peavy Stadium on the LVHS campus.
Principal Jason Story addresses the seniors.
Students peek into a gift basket before opening it.
Event organizer Jessica Risler addresses the seniors.
An excited senior takes his gift basket.
Community involvement has grown since the start of the Adopt-a-Senior gift basket program in 2020, but volunteers Sarah Courtney and Jessica Risler continue to help lead the way.
As students began arriving to the Sgt. Brian Walker Memorial Gymnasium, it was clear that the numerous gift baskets spelled "LVHS" prior to being distributed to the seniors,