A SusanvilleStuff Photofeature
by Marshel and Jeremy Couso
Lassen High School class of 1988 graduate Jeremy Couso was honored by the LHS Alumni Association Saturday as their Alumnus of Year, at the group’s annual picnic, held at the Lassen County Fairgrounds.
More than three hundred former Lassen students attended the event which included graduates from as far back as the 1950’s.
The youngest attendee was Justin Ellena from the class of 2024 and Darrell and Marsha Gardner were honored as the Alumnus that came from furthest away.
Alumni Association President Donna Morelini, from the class of 1962, presided over the ceremony – introducing picnic committee chair Deanna French, Kathryn Dempsey and Michelle Zubillaga.
Morelini honored outgoing Lassen High Superintendent Morgan Nugent, who she had worked with on several projects, calling him a, “true friend of the Alumni Association.”
Morelini explained that on numerous occasions Nugent, who came to Lassen in 2019, had helped make Alumni related projects possible, providing follow-through that she had never recieved from previous administrators.
She also wished him well as he leaves Susanville for his new job as superintendent at the Fall River School District July 1st.
Niki Jarrell, from the class of 1991 introduced Jeremy Couso as the Alumnus of the Year, saying, “When I think about this recipient the first words that come to mind are Community Connect. This community member is a multi-faceted as they come. From being President of the Lassen County Historical Society, MC of the Miss Lassen County Pageant, Dancing for a Brand New Me, Crime Stoppers, Susanville Symphony and the Lassen High Alumni Association just to name a few.”
According to Jarrell, after graduating from Lassen High Couso received his master’s degree in communication, a degree she says he still uses every day.
“This Alumnus is also a fantastic musician,” Jarrell continued, “He began playing piano at the age of eight. He joined his first rock band when he was 16 and continues to perform with his current band. In fact, I hear he was rocking the house last night. In addition to performing, he has been a songwriter and studio pianist, recording on several nationally released albums.”
“The recipient received the 2016 Susanville Police Officer Association’s Hometown Hero Award. He also purchased and had installed a new American Flag for the Susanville Elks Hall when he found them in need of one.”
Jarrell called Couso a dedicated business owner who brings us our daily news, weather, sports and emergency information along with daily pictures from his morning walks. Couso and his wife Marshel own SusanvilleStuff.com and Couso Technology and Design.
“These are just some of the accolades he deserves,” Jarrell concluded, “If you attend any community event in Susanville, you can be assured that this alumnus will be there with his camera capturing the life and heart of our community so it can be enjoyed by all of us.”
“This was a complete surprise! I was just here to take pictures,” explained Couso, who mainly stood in the corner and blushed.
“It is an amazing honor to stand here. I watched earlier as they introduced the past recipients of this award and every single one of them is someone that I have admired and respected for years. To be included in their ranks is just incredible. Thank you.”
[editor’s note: It’s really difficult to write news stories about yourself.]
