What started in 2020 as a creative workaround to a pandemic-canceled graduation has become one of Rossmoor’s most beloved traditions — and on Saturday, May 31, the 6th Annual Rossmoor Graduation Parade made it clear: this event isn’t going anywhere.
More than 675 graduates, friends, and family packed into nearly 140 decorated vehicles for the five-mile journey through Rossmoor’s tree-lined streets. Lawn chairs, handmade signs, pom-poms, ezups, picnics, and plenty of cowbells greeted the Class of 2025 at every turn. The vibe? Part pep rally, part neighborhood block party — with a dose of cheers and car horns for good measure.
This year’s theme, “Ready to Launch,” was fitting for both the graduates and the parade itself, which has grown into a community-wide rite of passage. The parade included everything from classic convertibles and SUVs decked out in school colors, to a military LMTV carrying 18 cadets from Sunburst Youth Academy — a standout moment that brought cheers all along the route. Retiring teachers from the Los Alamitos Unified School District even made their final lap aboard a decorated boat.
Before the parade hit the streets, a short celebration kicked things off atop a 26-foot stake bed truck-turned-stage. Dignitaries offered brief words of encouragement, pride, and congratulations to the Class of 2025, with Superintendent Dr. Andrew Pulver closing out the remarks by challenging students to lead boldly, live with integrity, and keep their ties to home strong.
Carrie Logue, Executive Director of LAEF and longtime champion of local education, served as Grand Marshal. She was joined by a lineup of community leaders and elected officials, including School Board President Marlys Davidson and Trustees Chris Forehan and Diana Hill, Principal Christiana Kraus, Assemblymember Tri Ta, Orange County Supervisor Janet Nguyen, and mayors and councilmembers from both Seal Beach and Los Alamitos.
Representing the Rossmoor Community Services District were Board President Nathan Searles and General Manager Sharon Landers, along with other civic leaders including The Youth Center’s Lina Lumme, RHA President Art Remnet, Rossmoor Woman’s Club President Susan Denley, and aide Zechariah Jauregui on behalf of State Senator Tony Strickland.
Sunburst Youth Academy summed up the day best in a message to the community:
“What began in 2020 as a creative response to the pandemic has grown into a powerful community tradition — one that celebrates every senior, from every path. And again this year, our cadets were right there in the spotlight.”
A huge thank you goes out to the many volunteers who made this year’s event possible: Marian Last, Jo Shade, Mary Ann Remnet, Kori DeLeon, Renee Schwartz, Darin DeLeon, Denise Miller, our sound team Gary & Anna Franz, our 12 dedicated VIP drivers, the Volunteers in Policing teams from Seal Beach and Los Alamitos, and all the other volunteers that helped with check-in, parking, and registration.
Also in attendance were representatives from RHA’s sponsor, Financial Partners Credit Union — including Executive Vice President Matt Herrick and his family — helping to underscore just how broad and supportive this tradition has become.
As the parade wrapped up back at the Shops at Rossmoor, grads were welcomed by hugs, high-fives, and a few happy tears. There was no ticket required, no assigned seating — just a whole town showing up for its kids.
Because in Los Alamitos, Rossmoor and Seal Beach, that’s what we do.
