Nestled in the heart of California, Apple Valley High School has become a beacon of compassion and community spirit through its innovative ‘Letters of Love’ project. Led by dedicated students from various career and technical education (CTE) classes, this initiative has touched the lives of countless children battling chronic illnesses and cancer nationwide.
At the core of the project are personalized, handwritten cards adorned with uplifting messages and creative artwork. These heartfelt tokens of support are sent to the national Letters of Love organization, which distributes them to children in hospitals across the country. What started as a small idea has blossomed into a significant movement, thanks to the dedication of Apple Valley High School’s SkillsUSA members.
Gretchen Peratt, the school’s CTE coordinator, beams with pride when discussing the impact of the project. “The ‘Letters of Love’ project is an inspiring example of how our students are using their talents and compassion to make a real-world impact,” she shares. “Our SkillsUSA members have shown tremendous dedication, demonstrating the values of leadership, teamwork and community service that SkillsUSA promotes.”
Since its inception, the project has produced over 550 handwritten cards, engaging more than 300 students from multiple CTE pathways, including the Medical and Health Science Technology (MAHST) Academy, Graphics and Culinary programs. Beyond its charitable mission, ‘Letters of Love’ has fostered a strong sense of community within the school, connecting students across different disciplines with a shared purpose. The students who created letters of love are from the MAHST Academy, led by their advisor, Stephanie Arredondo.
Anthony Ramirez, an 11th grader and SkillsUSA student, reflects on his experience: “It feels amazing to know that something as simple as a letter can bring comfort to a child who is going through a tough time. Working on this project taught me the value of kindness and the importance of giving back.”
The project aligns seamlessly with SkillsUSA’s mission to develop skilled, community-minded professionals. Students involved in ‘Letters of Love’ have honed essential SkillsUSA Framework skills like Responsibility, Communication and Teamwork. They’ve also embraced their own personal growth through leadership and empathy, embodying the core values of the organization.
Apple Valley High School’s commitment to service has not gone unnoticed. The ‘Letters of Love’ group recently earned second place in the community service competition at the SkillsUSA California State Leadership & Skills Conference, highlighting their impact and dedication. As the project continues to grow, the school’s SkillsUSA chapter remains a vibrant force, boasting 1,452 members and a legacy of excellence in both regional and state-level competitions.
Looking ahead, 14 students are gearing up to represent Apple Valley High School at the national competition in Atlanta, showcasing their skills and dedication on a broader stage. With a longstanding tradition of excellence in CTE programming, Apple Valley High School continues to inspire and uplift through initiatives like ‘Letters of Love,’ proving that small acts of kindness can indeed make a world of difference.
Follow their inspiring journey on Instagram @avhs_lettersoflove.
