By Monica Rodriguez/The Eastsider
Originally published Dec. 31, 2024
Musicians from three Southland all-boys Catholic schools, including Boyle Heights’ Bishop Mora Salesian High School, made history by marching in the 2025 Tournament of Roses Parade.
The Salesians of Don Bosco Southern California High School Band consists of Don Bosco Technical Institute in Rosemead, St. John Bosco High School in Bellflower, and Salesian. St. John Bosco’s band includes musicians from its sister school, the all-girls St. Joseph High in Lakewood. Don Bosco Tech’s and Salesian’s cheer teams accompanied the band.
Tournament President Ed Morales, a Don Bosco Tech graduate, invited the groups to march.
Tournament officials believe this marks the first time in at least 75 years, based on records dating to 1950, that the three schools will march in the parade — individually or all together. Morales said it is also believed to be the first composite Catholic band to participate since 1950.
Students began individual and joint rehearsals in February on 2024. They’ve marched miles, gaining the mental and physical stamina needed for the 5.5-mile parade, said Sam Hankins, Don Bosco Tech band director.
“This is all new for all three schools,” Hankins said.
Photo by Monica Rodriguez.
Sophomore Angel Preciado, 15, and junior Julian Calderon, 16, participated in the Salesian drumline. Calderon plays tenor drums, and Preciado plays bass drum, instruments carried with specialized harnesses.
Senior Emily Mejia, 17, and sophomore Jazmine Werdi, 15, attend Sacred Heart High School in Lincoln Heights and joined in on the Salesian cheer team.
Students shared that turning the corner of Orange Grove Boulevard onto Colorado, where TV cameras beam parade images globally, was both thrilling and nerve-racking.
