LOS ALAMITOS, CA – On June 1, 2024, Los Al seniors and their families participated in the iconic drive through Rossmoor. The annual event marked the end of an era for high school seniors and allowed the community to come together to celebrate.

Hosted by the Rossmoor Homeowners Association, the event featured many prominent members of the community who kicked off the event and led the queue. The parade snaked through the streets of Rossmoor while locals gathered on the sidewalks to cheer for the graduates, who rode in the back of trucks and other vehicles decorated with school spirit.

“[The parade] is a community rally around our students and really honoring how special they are,” said Los Al principal Mrs. Kraus. “[It’s] something unique and different, but it’s just one more way that we get to celebrate our graduates.”

Before the parade began, Los Al seniors met in the back parking lot of the Rossmoor Shopping Center where vehicles were decorated and community members gave opening remarks. Distinguished personnel such as LAUSD superintendent Dr. Andrew Pulver, LAUSD Board of Trustees president Meg Cutuli, Rossmoor Homeowners Association president Art Remnet, and Congresswoman Michelle Steel gave brief speeches congratulating the seniors on their achievements.

“I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for making the future better…I’m not going to talk long because we need to get this show on the road!” said Cutuli during her speech to the seniors, which was followed by an uproar of cheers and honking from the parade vehicles.

Gallery • 7 Photos

Katie Arnoult

Senior girls pose together in the back of their parade vehicle. Many Los Al students rode in the parade together in large groups to amplify the fun.

Once the parade kicked off, seniors began waving to crowds standing on the sidewalks as the long line of vehicles drove by. Seniors wore their blue and red graduation gowns, tossed candy to audience members, and even sported bubble guns as they rode through the parade.

Going all out with decorating, many students’ vehicles featured their senior posters, college logos, and athletic banners; hints of political interests also appeared as an aspiring Trump flag was seen attached to the end of a truck. Numerous seniors rode with their friend groups in one vehicle, with some singing along to karaoke music as they drove by. A Kachina boat and a jacuzzi were also witnessed with optimistic boys enjoying one of their last times together and celebrating the end of high school.

“I’m super glad to be with all my fellow seniors for one last show-out,” said senior Philip Pinto before the parade started. “Money, fame, and success [don’t] matter…[it’s all about happiness] at the end of the day.”

Gallery • 7 Photos

Katie Arnoult

Senior boys ride in a trailer towed by a parade truck, complete with an elaborate setup of balloon arches and banners.

“I loved it. [It was] very colorful and fun… it was nice to see all the kids and where they’re going,” said a parade audience member.

Overall, the Rossmoor drive-by was a hit as multiple students yelled their hearts out and had the chance to give one last appreciative goodbye to their community, which was worth all the messy confetti and sharp water guns.