2024 GRAND MARSHAL: Laura Upson
Laura Upson, Youth in Transition - Poway Unified School District
Laura Upson is the Youth in Transition Coordinator for the Poway Unified School District. Here, Laura supports students who are experiencing homelessness by removing barriers to enrollment, attendance, transportation, and academic success. Laura is a strong advocate for students and their families, and is consistently striving to enhance outcomes for the communities she serves.
.png/:/cr=t:0%25,l:0%25,w:100%25,h:100%25/rs=w:1209,cg:true)
The Youth in Transition program serves families experiencing housing instability and homelessness by seeking to remove barriers to enrollment, attendance, transportation, and academic success.
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
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!
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
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 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.
Joe Rosati (Oak Knoll Market Announcer)
Alba Madrigal (Kaminski's Spanish Announcer)
Alba Madrigal (Kaminski's Spanish 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
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 will be in the parade with the Poway High School Marching Band! My daughter plays the clarinet and my son is a drummer.
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.
Alba Madrigal (Kaminski's Spanish Announcer)
Alba Madrigal (Kaminski's Spanish Announcer)
Alba Madrigal (Kaminski's Spanish Announcer)
Alba Madrigal is a dedicated Parent and Community Trilingual Liaison at the Poway Unified School District (PUSD), bringing over 14 years of experience in education, supporting students, parents, and communities both in the U.S. and abroad. In her current role, she provides guidance and assistance to PUSD families, helping them access esse
Alba Madrigal is a dedicated Parent and Community Trilingual Liaison at the Poway Unified School District (PUSD), bringing over 14 years of experience in education, supporting students, parents, and communities both in the U.S. and abroad. In her current role, she provides guidance and assistance to PUSD families, helping them access essential resources and navigate the educational system. Known for her solution-oriented approach, enthusiasm, and unwavering support, Alba is committed to fostering strong connections between families, schools, and communities.
Judges
Charles Valentine
Charles is the manager of Kahoots Pet Store here in Poway. He has been with Kahoots for close to 12 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 prid
Charles is the manager of Kahoots Pet Store here in Poway. He has been with Kahoots for close to 12 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 a member of the Poway Chamber of Commerce (representing Kahoots), a member of the Boy Scouts with his son, 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 13 years, raising 4 children. Their family also includes 1 dog, 2 cats, and 2 geckos.
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 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 g
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).
National Anthem Singers
Victoria Holmes
Stephanie McCollum
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 throug
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.
Amber Lee
Stephanie McCollum
Victoria Holmes
Amber Lee is a singer songwriter and performer from Poway. She performs locally here in Poway and Borrego Springs. You can follow her journey on Instagram at Amberleesings18
Stephanie McCollum
Stephanie McCollum
Stephanie McCollum
Resided in Poway since 2015.
Grew up competing on stage since I was 4years old.
Sang the national anthem at the Poway rodeo!
I work in the Poway community and manage North County Gymnastics and the Gyminny Kids in Poway.
I'm a mom of 2 and have been married to my husband for 15 years. We love Poway and moved here because of the community’s reputation.