The Knights of Shadow Hills High School are not just teenage students, they are also seniors of a different age group. The school’s neighbors include the 55+ residents of Sun City.

Several years ago, a Sun City resident by the name of Chris Bryant started a scholarship program called Knights of the Round Table. The first year, approximately 30 residents donated $100-$500 each to assist a graduating senior in need. This was the beginning of a very special relationship as resident of the senior community “adopted” the school. Several gentlemen assist at sporting events, including serving as the “chain gang” at football games. One resident donated a grand piano to the music department.
At this time of year, the relationship between the two entities involves even more giving. Sun City works with the Marines from 29 Palms and the Toys for Tots campaign. Last year residents collected 1,212 toys for the annual drive. They intend to beat that number this year.

The donated toys also come from the Shadow Hills students as the entire school participates in a “coin war”. The class collecting the most money uses the school contributions to go shopping and delivers the toys to the Sun City drive.

On Wednesday, December 10 at 5:00 pm, veterans of the US armed services who reside at Sun City are hosting a pot-luck. Cost to attend? A new, unwrapped toy for Toys for Tots. Entertainment? The Shadow Hills High School jazz band. Presenting the colors? The Shadow Hills junior ROTC cadets. Students also assist at the event in whatever capacity needed.

Marines from the base come to the event to pick up the toys. Loading the trucks with this many toys is a sight to behold. Seniors, students, and Marines end the year with a memorable community service. Come January, the residents of Sun City can be found back at the high school ready to assist in any way they can. Quite the relationship and quite the story.

Reprinted from DSUSD Newsletter