What began as an intrepid way to honor Los Alamitos High School graduates during the pandemic has become, if not a rite of passage, an annual tradition that grows each graduation day.
On Saturday, May 31, the sun came out just in time to witness the 6th Annual Rossmoor Graduation Parade as it rolled through Rossmoor under this year’s theme: “Ready to Launch.”
Organizers say 140 decorated vehicles carried more than 675 graduates and family members along the five-mile route through Rossmoor’s tree-lined streets, greeted by cheers, signs, and community pride at every corner.
“So excited for you guys,” said organizer Jo Shade, the organizer who, by force of will, managed in 2020 to organize a parade dotted with medical masks as the nation fought through the COVID-19 pandemic.
With vehicles assembled in neat rows across a giant parking lot located near the rear of The Shops at Rossmoor, officials spoke from a temporary stage set on a flat-bed trailer.
Shade spoke into a mic for those within earshot while advising the vehicles in the rear, which included, in some cases, graduaating seniors, their parents and grandparents, to listen on a special FM frequency.
“I do this gig every year,” she told the students, adding that “I think I’m going to have to move away if I ever want to not do it anymore.” Shade now serves as a Director on the Rossmoor Community Services District Board of Directors.
“You guys all look fantastic,” she said, looking out over the hundreds of students and decorated vehicles that ranged from convertibles to pickups to military vehicles, some with trailers.
For the first time, teachers retiring from the Los Al Unified system also rode in the parade, aptly seated in a speedboat being pulled behind a truck.
Before introducing the first speaker, Shade thanked a wide range of community leaders who were instrumental in putting the event together.
Among the officials attending, but not speaking, included JFTB base commander Dan Fox, RCSD President Nathan Searles, new RCSD General Manager Sharon Landers, Los Al Unified Board members Diana Hill, Chris Forehan, and Marlys Davidson.
Shade also thanked Deborah Bell, Kori and Darin DeLeon from the Seal Beach Chamber and Renee Schwartz.
Carrie Logue, the Executive Director of the nonprofit Los Alamitos Educational Foundation (LAEF), served as this year’s grand marshal of the parade.
“We enhance educational excellence, and our mission is to prepare every child in our district for college and beyond,” Logue told the students.
“I hope that LAEF has helped you in your journey, if you took some after school or summer enrichment programs, if you utilized the well space on your campus, if some of those counseling interns that we provide stipends for supported you in your journey,” said Logue.
“Maybe you participated in a STEM fair at your school or got some amazing new hands on technology thanks to LAEF support,” she told the graduates, “so that’s my hope.”
Los Al Unified Supt. Dr. Andrew Pulver again saluted the community for always embracing its graduates.
“We are thrilled and excited to be able to honor all of you today,” he said from the makeshift stage.
“I really like to think of this as this is a way that this incredible community which always uplifts our youth, is wrapping their arms around you and giving you a great big community hug for your incredible accomplishments,” said Pulver.
“I often say this, but there is no better community to live, work and go to school than right here in Los Alamitos Unified,” the Superintendent said.
“Your future is unlimited. We can’t wait to see what you do next,” he told the 2025 graduates.
For Christiana Kraus, the LAHS Principal, it was the first parade of graduates that she’s been with for the entire four years, as she was hired four years ago.
“You know, four years ago, you walked in as a first-year freshman as a Griffin, and I walked in with you as a first-year principal at Los Alamitos High School. And in these four years, we’ve had so many celebrations and so many wins,” said Kraus.
Kraus ignited a flurry of horn blowing as she announced the Lady Griffins had won the softball CIF Championship the night before.
“I just want to thank you for an incredible four years. You will always be my first and only class that I walked in with, and I thank you for all you do. You’ve just begun, so just keep doing amazing things,” she said.
First District OC Supervisor Janet Nguyen thanked Shade for her original brainchild that produced the parade, an event she said, “has now become a tradition in our communities.”
She thanked all local elected and community leaders from Los Al and Seal Beach and congratulated students, urging them to “have fun and make the best of everything. The sky is the limit.”
“You can do anything,” she said.
Zechariah Jáuregui, a spokesman for 36th District State Senator Tony Strickland, congratulated the graduating seniors, awarding certificates to the 2025 class valedictorians.
Assembly member Tri Ta was on hand to thank “parents and teachers for their strong commitment and dedication to help our students.”
“You have a long way to go,” he told the graduates. “Your achievement gives us hope for a better community,” he said.
“You got this,” said Seal Beach Mayor Lisa Landau, noting how she participated in 2021 when her son graduated. “This event has come a long way since then,” said Landau.
“Griffins have a reputation around the country for doing great things,” said Los Alamitos Mayor Shelley Hasselbrink. “I would expect nothing less of you,” she said.
“Go out and do great things to make us proud,” said Hasselbrink.
“Give yourselves a hand if you have a moment,” said Seal Beach Police Chief Michael Henderson, also suggesting students “give your parents and all those who have supported you in this journey your thanks.
“They have done a lot to sacrifice and support you to get you to this point,” the Chief said.
“Welcome to the class of 2025,” said Art Remnet, President of the Rossmoor Homeowners Association, the overall sponsor of the annual event along with Financial Partners.
“You guys are rock stars,” he told the graduates. “The school district wraps us all together and makes us one great community, where events like this can come together,” he said.
“This is awesome,” he said.
