The Gilbert Days Parade, a longstanding community event that began in 1957 to commemorate the paving of Gilbert Road, took on added significance this year for Gilbert Public Schools (GPS). Superintendent Dr. Shane McCord was selected by the Town of Gilbert as the parade’s Grand Marshall, leading more than 100 entries through the downtown Heritage District. Families gathered along Gilbert Road to support local schools and celebrate community spirit.
Dr. McCord, who is serving his final year as superintendent after 31 years in education—most spent within GPS—reflected on the honor. “It was an honor and a privilege,” he said. “I truly love the Town of Gilbert, and the Gilbert Days Parade is a staple for Gilbert Public Schools. For me to be the Grand Marshall is a wonderful way to celebrate our community and our schools.”
He was joined at the front of the parade by family members and district leaders. Following them was a float designed and constructed by students from Desert Ridge High School. The float carried GPS Governing Board members Mrs. Jill Humpherys and Mr. Jesse Brainard. Each year, one GPS high school creates a float that represents all 39 district schools; this year’s theme was “Out of this World!”
The student-designed float depicted a bright yellow school bus launching into the sky, inspired by The Magic School Bus book series. Logos representing each GPS school were included on the float, with high school logos displayed on the bus to symbolize students’ transition into life after graduation. Elementary schools were represented at the rear of the float with a message reading, “Over the Ridge, Out of This World.”
Megan Ament, Assistant Principal at Desert Ridge High School, noted how students from various clubs contributed to building the float: “I am so proud of our students and the work that they put into building the float. Throughout the process, we had students from several different clubs come to help build the float, which really helped build a strong community throughout the school,” she said. “I felt relief when I saw the float in the parade. The students were having fun, and the float was everything we wanted it to be.”
Four GPS marching bands—from Campo Verde High, Gilbert High, Mesquite High, and Highland High—participated in this year’s parade, adding music and energy to the event.
David Baca, whose daughter performs with Highland High’s marching band, commented on what makes this time special for families: “It’s always exciting this time of year,” he said. “We just wrapped up marching band season, so the parade is a chance to celebrate that and highlight the great things our schools are doing.”
Gilbert Days has been celebrated for over six decades as an expression of community identity and connection. This year’s event saw participation from all 39 district schools as GPS marked Dr. McCord’s leadership role as Grand Marshall.
