The Pasadena Tournament of Roses Parade President, Laura Farber and her husband Tomas Lopez made an all-day visit to Rancho Verde High School on Friday, October 4, 2019. The purpose of their visit was to learn more about the Rancho Verde Crimson Regiment, which she selected as one of the 16 marching bands participating in the upcoming 2020 Tournament of Roses Parade.
Laura’s visit began in the band room where she led an intimate discussion with student leaders about the importance of their role in the parade, as well as complimenting the band on their success and solidifying the reasons why the Rancho Verde Crimson Regiment was being selected to march. President Farber also introduced the students to the theme of the 2020 Rose Parade; Hope. She reminded them that Hope plays an important role in everyone’s lives. As the third female and first Latina President of the Tournament of Roses Parade, she hopes that her story and background can help to bring Hope to those that watch and participate in the 2020 event.
President Farber’s visit continued with a band performance in the gym where she was joined by Rancho Verde students, parents, and district administrators. Laura’s visit ended with a presentation of the Rose Parade Flag during halftime of the varsity football game which marked the official invitation to the Rancho Verde Crimson Regiment to participate in the parade. “As a band director I have visualized this ceremony for about 10 years now and I kept on saying it can happen here, but to actually be here and see it happen was overwhelming. I am filled with pride and excitement for my students and our community. The Rancho Verde Crimson Regiment are beyond honored to have the Rose President, Laura Farber, here on our campus and we are extremely humbled to accept this most prestigious honor,” said Rancho Verde Band Director Honglac Hathuc.