Grads honored in Canyon Lake parade

The Family Matters Club held its second annual graduation parade for graduated Canyon Lake high school and college students Sunday.

“Family Matters wants to celebrate the success of our young Canyon Lake students,” Jeannie Hoonnirun, a member of the club, said. “And this is the perfect way to do it.”

Graduates paraded with their friends or families in cars from Eastport Park to Holiday Harbor.

The parade was born last year after graduation ceremonies were canceled throughout the state because of COVID-19 restrictions. The ceremonies returned this year and the participation in this year’s parade, naturally, wasn’t what it was last year. But several happy grads showed up Sunday for the celebration.

Megan Moreno attends the parade with her family. Megan will be attending the Sierra Nevada University in the fall.Photo by Ariana Shah.

The graduates were showered with celebrations and goodies from the community and the club as they drove the parade route. Many Canyon Lakers cheered them as they drove past their homes.

Each of the participating graduates were given Ray-Bans from Sutton Sunglasses, letter openers from Farmers Insurance, sunscreen, lip balm, and candies from Caregiver Provider, specialty flavored cotton candy from JK Catering, $5 bills from Proactive Legal – The Bock Law Group, pens from The Super Zinggs Realtors, Top Ramen, card, and lotto scratcher from the Bowen Family, a gift certificate to Jamba Juice, 2021 grad bracelets, and a graduation cap with Hershey Kisses from Family Matters.

Sam Bock and his girlfriend ride in the Canyon Lake Grad Parade Sunday. Sam is headed to Cal Poly SLO. Photo by Ariana Shah

“I’m so grateful for my community to be out here for us,” Emily Signorio, a graduate from Colorado Mesa University, said. “It’s been a rough year for everyone.”

Wendy Signorio, Emily’s mother, also said how happy she was for the club to do this for the class of 2021.

“I’m delighted the club stepped up for us graduates,” Sam Bock, who will be attending Cal Poly San Luis Obispo University, said. “The community has done a great job.”

Emily Signorio and Megan Moreno post together after the parade. Photo by Debbie Moreno.