THANK YOU EVERYONE!!! WE DID IT!!! 🎉🎓

Because of all of your support, signatures, messages, and nonstop passion for this tradition, the Strand Stroll is officially BACK ON!

The graduates will bus from Costa to Martha’s and then make the traditional walk down The Strand to the Pier for the cap toss and celebration. This is such a special South Bay tradition and such an important memory for the graduating class to share together one last time.

Now comes the important part: let’s keep this tradition alive for future classes too! Please help preserve the Strand Stroll by following all laws during the approximately 45-minute walk and keeping it fun, respectful, and safe. The night is still young after the cap toss 😎

Personally, I have two younger kids behind this class, and I fully expect them to get to experience this tradition too… so don’t mess this up for me 😂

Seriously though, you guys are amazing. Thank you for rallying together, speaking up, supporting the kids, and helping bring back something that means so much to this community. You all rock!!! 💚🖤

----------------------

Having a senior graduate is one of the most cherished milestones for any family. It's an end to a considerable journey filled with triumphs and challenges. My own senior is about to walk the path to graduation with the Mira Costa Class of 2026 in beautiful Manhattan Beach, California. Traditionally the seniors have celebrated this rite of passage with a post-graduation stroll along the Strand from Martha's all the way to MB Pier, where they throw their caps into the sky – a symbol of their hard work, achievements, and the friendships forged throughout high school.

However, this year the route has been unexpectedly changed,  diverting the students away from celebrating their achievements by the scenic ocean side. The new route robs our graduates of a memorable tradition, admired by the community, that many have looked forward to since becoming high school students. This traditional walk not only signifies the accomplishments of these young adults but also celebrates their journey in a way that is both meaningful and symbolic.

The change was made without sufficient consultation from those it impacts most: our seniors and their families. We understand it was based on past behaviors of seniors and would like this community of families to be sensitive and aware of the rules.   It’s a decision that should be revisited with transparency and their best interests in mind. We strongly believe that reinstating the original Strand route honors their hard work and adds a cherished memory to their graduation experience. 

We kindly request all parties involved in making this decision to consult with the students and parents, and work together towards RESTORING this tradition, for not just the class of 2026 but future graduating classes as well. This is a chance for the community to come together in support of our youth, allowing them to experience this unique celebration in its full grandeur.

By signing this petition, you are helping the senior class of 2026 reclaim a significant part of their graduation day that has been stolen by an unexpected change. Let's make their graduation one that they will remember with pride! Please add your name to support our request to bring back the traditional Strand stroll.