A beloved El Monte tradition, Parkview School’s 49th Annual Americanism Parade succeeded in bringing the school and community together to celebrate America. Following this year’s parade theme, “We Love America” the parade showcased the exceptional Head Start preschool and Transitional Kindergarten through 8th grade students, staff and families that make up Parkview School, as well as the many excellent programs including AVID, Leadership, Spanish Dual-Immersion, Students Run LA, Seaperch Aquatic Robotics, Chess Club, Renaissance, sports, cheerleading and more.
Leading off the parade, carrying the American Flag was 7th grade teacher, Diocelina Benitez-Ortegon the only current Parkview Eagle to have served in the military. Benitez-Ortegon served in the Army National Guard and trained as a 91 Bravo Medic.
The joyful parade also featured El Monte Police Department personnel, Fire Department staff, Parkview’s volunteers, Mountain View School District’s (MVSD) maintenance and transportation departments, Think Together staff, Crossroads staff, El Monte Parks and Recreation programs, Safe Routes to School, Parkview alumni Fernando Andrade of the Manifest Destiny Foundation, and the exceptional marching bands, tall flags, drill teams and cheerleaders from South El Monte High School, El Monte High School and Mt. View High School.
Marching by classroom, the patriotic cheers from the students, celebrating their love for America could be heard loudly as they made their way down the parade route lined with proud parents, community members, Parkview School retirees and students from surrounding schools.
“This is my first time attending the parade and it’s a really cool event,” said Memo Delgado, Parkview parent. “The school did a great job and it’s perfect weather for a parade too.”
Back in their roles as Masters’ of Ceremonies were George Schonborn, MVSD’s Director of Pupil Personnel Services and Tony Lugo, retired MVSD administrator. Parkview’s Teacher of the Year, Olga Gallegos and Classified Employee of the Year, Rebecca Prado were celebrated down the parade route and the Parade Grand Marshal, Norma Berumen, former Parkview Office Manager rode atop a convertible Mustang.
Viewing from the grand stands were MVSD Board of Education member Cindy Wu, Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources, Roberto Lopez-Mena, City of El Monte Councilman Martin Herrera, Pat Hines from Safe Routes to School, as well as several MVSD administrators and staff members.
“We greatly appreciate our community coming out for our 49th annual parade,” said Dr. Angelica De La Rosa, Parkview Principal. “So much work was put into this year’s Americanism Parade with many meetings held and lots of manpower, and it all came together on this most beautiful day in February. Our parade is long standing Parkview tradition that is holding strong and I’m very proud of our students and staff for continuing the tradition.”
The Americanism Parade is the culminating activity to a month of patriotic research, writing, language and activities Parkview students participate in during February encouraging their appreciation of America and its freedoms. The school is happy to host the beloved parade, helping to create life-long memories for Parkview students and families and looks forward to planning next year’s 50th annual parade.