2026 GRAND MARSHAL: John Couvrette

After nearly 40 years in business driving regional, national and international teams, John Couvrette joined his wife Ginger in her Real Estate and Property Management business here in Poway. Staying local enabled John to get back involved in the community he loves. He has been blessed with a number of opportunities to serve Poway and help make a difference. He is currently Vice-Chair of the Poway Chamber of Commerce just ending six years as the CFO/Treasurer of the Chamber. He is the Chair of the Chamber's Non-Profit Consortium consisting of 65 Non-Profits serving Poway and the surrounding areas. He is a past President of the Kiwanis Club of Poway with a focus on serving the children in our community. In 2023, John and Ginger founded the Poway Community Foundation - which is now in its third year of issuing grants to Poway based Non-Profits. Instead of a traditional Grand Marshall sitting in the back of a car for the parade, John is organizing a float on a flatbed truck and is inviting all of the Poway Non-Profits to be a part of this year's celebration of Community Service. Come out to the parade and say hello to all of the folks making a difference in Poway!

Announcers

Megan Parry (Grandstand Announcer)

Meet Megan Parry, the dynamic meteorologist who brings sunshine to ABC 10News every weeknight!

A proud Poway native, Megan's journey began at Painted Rock, continued through Twin Peaks Middle, and culminated at Poway High, when she marched in this very parade with the Poway High Emerald Brigade. Now, as a seasoned meteorologist with over a decade at ABC 10News, she keeps us informed and entertained with her weather forecasts at 4, 5, 6, 7, and 11 pm.

When she's not predicting Poway's perfect weather, Megan enjoys life as a devoted dog lover, wife and mom to two beautiful girls. Tune in for her expert updates and infectious enthusiasm!

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Dave Mason (Kaminski's Announcer)

Dave Mason has been a part of the San Diego and Southern California TV and Radio landscape since 1999. His voice has been heard on many local stations including KGB-FM, KOGO-AM, Sunny 98.1 and KPBS-FM.

He's hosted fundraising events for Rady Children's Hospital, KPBS-TV and FM1, The Helen Woodward Animal Center and The San DIego Humane S

He's hosted fundraising events for Rady Children's Hospital, KPBS-TV and FM1, The Helen Woodward Animal Center and The San DIego Humane Society since 2000, and has been a voice for The Poway Days Parade for well over a decade.

Dave's also been seen on Television and Radio in Los Angeles, and a number of nationally seen TV shows for PBS. "The most fun I can have on a Saturday morning is to share the fun and color of The Poway Rotary Parade annually."

Dave, his wife Diane and 2 faithful canine companions Koby and Roxy are proud supporters of Poway businesses from one end of Poway Road, Pomerado Road and Community Road to the other. He's looking forward to being part of the 2023 Poway Rotary Parade.

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Joe Rosati (Oak Knoll Market Announcer)

Hi! Joe Rosati here and I'm driving you home every weekday from 2-7pm on one of San Diego's top rated radio stations, Sunny 98.1. Thank you for always making me a part of your afternoon and welcoming me back to be an announcer at the Poway Rotary Parade! This year the parade will be extra special for me because both my son and daughter

Over the years my wife and I have lived in Boston, New Jersey, Detroit and now San Diego since 2012. We actually met in Boston when I was on the radio there. We helped host an event together between my station and her company. Amazing how she still puts up with me since I'm from New York. Those sports rivalries between the two cities are hardcore!

In our spare time, the little we rarely find, we love to hit up new restaurants and before having kids the two of us traveled the globe yearly. Thanks to Audra I've seen Spain several times, Mexico, Argentina and Uruguay.

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Judges

Charles Valentine

Charles is the manager of Kahoots Pet Store here in Poway. He has been with Kahoots for close to 15 years and has worked at several locations across San Diego. In addition to managing the store, he has also taken on the role of trainer and support for Kahoots’ operational software systems. As a native Powegian, Charles holds a lot of pride in his hometown, and is excited to be able to share this with his customers and community. Charles is also the Scout Master for Boy Scout Troop 625 in Poway, and a hobby wood worker. Charles and his wife Christen, an educator at Garden Road Elementary School, met in Poway and have been married for over 16 years, raising 4 children. Their family also includes 1 dog, 2 cats, and 2 geckos.

Dianne Crawford

Charles Valentine

2024/25 Rotary District Governor Dianne is an accomplished Rotary leader with a strong commitment to community service. Joining Rotary in 1997, she is a proud member of the Rotary Club of Southeast San Diego, serving as Club President, Secretary and Board member. For more than 50 years the club has served the needs of the underserved community in Southeast San Diego, consistently earning the Rotary Citation for their exceptional work. Dianne's passion for education shines through her involvement in leadership projects and Rotary programs like RYLA, LEAD, and Interact, aimed at developing future leaders.

Her professional career spans 25 years as Director of Sales for several national telecommunications & language companies managing prestigious Fortune 100 clients including American Express, Bank of America, AT&T, Microsoft, Citibank, Amazon and more. Currently working as a Sales & Management Consultant, Dianne offers her expertise to a variety of companies, in sales, customer support, business planning, organization and training.

With over 20 years of service on District 5340's Leadership Team, Dianne has held diverse roles, Her contributions to District Operations, combined with her unique and creative approach to business and comprehensive knowledge of Rotary, have led to significant improvements in District programs and club support. Recognized for her dedication, Dianne has received numerous awards, including Rotarian of the Year, for her instrumental role in membership growth and the establishment of new clubs.

Jonathan Hayward

Jonathan Hayward is a tenured mathematics teacher at Orange Glen High School, where he is dedicated to fostering both mathematical fluency and a positive attitude toward learning in all his students. A lifelong resident of North County, he grew up in the area and graduated from Torrey Pines High School. He now resides in Sabre Springs.

Jonathan’s diverse educational background includes an Associate’s Degree in Electronics Engineering, a Bachelor’s Degree in Bassoon Performance from the prestigious New England Conservatory, and a Master’s Degree in Management. Before transitioning to public education, he enjoyed successful careers as a professional bassoonist, an electronics engineer, and a technical college dean. He is proud to bring this wide-ranging experience to his classroom in service of the community he calls home.

Laura Upson

Laura Upson serves as the Youth in Transition (YIT) Coordinator for the Poway Unified School District (PUSD). A tireless advocate for PUSD’s most vulnerable students, Laura has dedicated her career to supporting students experiencing homelessness through the Youth in Transition (YIT) program. She currently coordinates support for over 375

students across multiple school sites, ensuring they receive essential resources such as transportation, academic support, and community services.

Laura’s impact reaches far beyond school walls. She has played a critical role in

building partnerships with local organizations to support students, organizing district-wide distribution events for YIT families, and representing PUSD at local, state, and national education conferences. She also has been outstanding in raising awareness

about student homelessness through social media and community outreach, including managing the @pusdcares Instagram account.

Laura comes to us with a background in supporting families after joining PUSD in 2015 when she helped launch the Family Learning Center, which supported immigrant families with tutoring, providing families with school supplies, and community resources.

Laura’s leadership and passion for service have earned her widespread recognition. In 2024, she was honored as the Grand Marshal of the Poway Rotary Parade for her advocacy and support for students experiencing homelessness. In 2025, she was chosen as district level Classified Employee of the Year. Her dedication is evident in everything she does, whether supporting school staff in identifying students in need, presenting at professional learning sessions, or working after hours to ensure families

receive urgent assistance. Her compassion, leadership, and deep commitment to her work make a lasting impact on students, families, and the entire PUSD community.

Mike Leland

Mike serves at the pleasure of the Board of Directors, and manages the Staff and the operations of the office, with the mission of providing the most value possible to our members and the business community. Mike grew up in Palo Alto, CA until he headed South to attend San Diego State University. After falling in love with San Diego and graduating SDSU, Mike grew roots in SD. Mike and his wife Lisa of over 29 years have been residents of Poway since March of 1997, and have two children; David (25) and Lauren (23). Mike also has two dogs; Maggie (a 16 year old, 13 lb. mutt) and his COVID rescue Buddy (a 3 year old Australian Cattle dog/German Shepherd mix).

Grandstand Performance: The Ashaa Takook Bird Singers

The Ashaa Takook Bird Singers

Bird Songs, or "Ashaa Takook" are referred to in their traditional tongue, as the original songs of this area's first people, The Kumeyaay Nation.

The songs are in the Kumeyaay language and tell allegorical stories and histories through a cycle of songs that takes more than twenty four hours to sing to conclusion. The songs also speak to the relationship of The Kumeyaay to one another and to the land.

The traditional territory of the Kumeyaay stretched from the Pacific Ocean to the Colorado River, and approximately 75 miles north and south of the modern US Mexican Border.

The Ashaaa Takook Bird Singers travel throughout the region performing traditional song and dance for various ceremonial and social functions.

National Anthem Singers

Allison Mah

Allison Mah is a junior at Rancho Bernardo High School, where she is soprano section leader of the Madrigals Advanced Choir and president of two clubs. Allison regularly performs at community events, including singing an 8-song set at PandaFest earlier this year. She frequently shares her music at senior living facilities and is passionate about spreading joy through song. A long time vocalist and acoustic guitarist, she enjoys writing original songs, drawing from her personal experiences.

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Victoria Holmes

Victoria Holmes was born and raised here in Poway, California and for all 25 years of her life has been surrounded by music. From her mother singing to her, to her Father teaching music, she was always in the middle of something to do with music. Victoria has been in many local musicals as well as playing oboe in band and orchestra through out middle school and high school, and eventually on to college as well. Now she is often found at karaoke spots around town always putting on a show. Each year Victoria feels honored and thankful to be invited back to sing the National Anthem at her hometown’s parade.

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Mary Beth Doss

Mary Beth Doss is a proud Poway resident and esteemed World War II veteran who, at the remarkable age of 100, continues to inspire her community through both her service and her talents. A lifelong member of the VFW and a gifted singer, she frequently graces local events—such as Poway’s Veterans Park 4th of July ceremony—with her moving renditions of the National Anthem.

2026 GRAND MARSHAL: John Couvrette