1987 TAHS graduate Dru Larson earns 2025 TAPS Lifetime Service Award
Dru Larson could’ve worn a suit and tie and some classic Oxford cap toe shoes, or maybe a nice sport coat to last Thursday’s Tracy Area Public School’s American Education Banquet.
But that’s just not his style.
Instead, Tracy’s most popular man chose to dress as if he were going to a boys’ basketball game, donning a bright red TMB basketball shirt — untucked, of course — that paired nicely with his faded jeans.
Regardless of what he threw on for the event, the 6-foot-8 lifelong Tracy resident made his presence known and then some as the 50th recipient of Tracy Area Public School’s 2025 Lifetime Service Award.
“Tonight, we’re celebrating an individual whose impact on Tracy Area Public Schools and our community runs deep,” TAPS Supt. Chad Anderson said as he introduced Larson, a 1987 graduate and son of Jim and Vernice Larson. “Tracy has always been home for Dru, and it’s where he and his wife Nicole have built their lives together.” Armed with his trademark selfdeprecating humor, Larson humbly accepted the award after a long ovation from the packed banquet hall and kicked off his speech by conveying how proud he is to call Tracy home. “I love Tracy; I’m very fortunate to have two great kids, a beautiful wife, my mom … this is family, but you all are my family,” said Larson. “
Larson and his senior classmates in 1987 were the first group to graduate as Panthers, after the school changed their nickname and mascot from Scrappers — “a milestone that set the tone for his lifelong pride in our school and community,” Anderson said.
The Lifetime Service Award is bestowed upon past TAPS employees and others who have served and distinguished themselves in life, work and community service. Recipients must have demonstrated outstanding service to TAPS, Tracy area communities and to students.
Larson attended and played basketball at Northern State University for one year before transferring to then-Southwest State University, where he was a three-year captain for the Mustangs. After graduation, he spent 25 years in the construction business in Tracy and employed a number of TAHS students over those years.
“Over the years, Dru has been one of those people you can rely on when something needs to get done,” Anderson said. “He has volunteered his time, equipment and expertise to help with countless school and community projects.”
Like their father, Larson’s sons, Derek and Trevor, have chosen to make Tracy their home and also work for him at Northwest Lighting Systems (now Northwest Lighting Inc.), a business he and John Hannasch started in 2017 in the old Hemmingsen RV building. Larson is now the sole owner.
One of Larson’s lasting impacts on area youth has shined through sports, where years ago he took it upon himself to raise money from local businesses and individuals to put up eight adjustable backboards in four locations around Tracy. In 2008, he helped start Cubs football and the traveling baseball program. He also was a volunteer coach for football, baseball and basketball from 2008-2013, and officially joined the boys’ basketball coaching staff in 2007, a tenure that lasted until 2021.
“Those who played for him will tell you, Dru’s dedication went far beyond the court” said Anderson. “In his very first year of coaching, he and his family opened their home to players who needed a place to eat, hang out and relax between school and home games.”
Anderson noted that Larson’s leadership extends far beyond the gym as a substitute teacher, a trustee at his church, and as president of the Tracy Area Medical Services Foundation for six years. He has also been deeply involved with the Panther Booster Club.
“He represents what it means to be a Panther — to care deeply about your community, to step up when something needs doing and to invest in the next generation,” Anderson concluded.
