The Mira Costa Senior Stroll, a post-graduation celebration that has faced scrutiny for bad behavior, is officially back on, with a warning for students and parents that further infractions could jeopardize the future of the event.

The stroll, a tradition since 2020, has Mira Costa students walking along the Strand from Hermosa Beach to the Manhattan Beach Pier following their graduation ceremony. In recent years, the celebration has been marred by excessive drinking, vomiting, and smoking - often with encouragement from parents. 

The stroll is not sponsored or organized by the school district; it is planned by a committee of senior parents. Following excessive infractions last year, the stroll was originally going to be called off; and was later proposed to be rerouted on a short walk through downtown. 

That decision spurred an outcry from parents, who created a petition to bring the original stroll back. 

After further negotiations with the city and police, the parent committee was able to bring the stroll back to its original route - but with a not-so-subtle warning to parents to follow all laws or the stroll will be in danger for future years. 

"Following recent route discussions with the MBPD, the Parent Senior Committee, and Manhattan Beach City officials to ensure a safe, respectful, lawful and memorable event for our seniors, their families and the communities, we are pleased to confirm that the traditional Senior Stroll route will move forward as planned," read the message to senior parents. 

The message continued: "The success of the event relies on partnership and cooperation of all adults in attendance. We want to emphasize clearly that the following items are prohibited: alcohol, cannabis and tobacco products. Citations will be issued for anyone who violates public use ordinances in Hermosa Beach or Manhattan Beach. Our collective commitment to safety and responsibility this year will help preserve this tradition for future MCHS graduating classes for years to come."

Manhattan Beach Police Chief Rachel Johnson gave the following statement to MB News: 

“Following meetings with parent organizers, the Mira Costa Senior Stroll will return to its previously utilized route this year. The parent groups involved have demonstrated a clear understanding of the importance of setting expectations — not only with graduates, but also with parents and residents along the route. In past years, contraband such as alcohol, cigars, and cannabis has been introduced to students along the route, and the organizers have committed to proactively messaging their respective parent communities to address this. They have also taken responsibility for trash mitigation along the route. We look forward to celebrating the Mira Costa Class of 2026 and ensuring a safe and celebratory event for all.”

The stroll will start at 7:10 p.m. on June 11 at Martha's on 22nd in Hermosa Beach and will conclude at the Manhattan Beach Pier. 

The Senior Stroll was started by a group of parents in 2020 at the peak of pandemic shutdowns. The decision to create the stroll followed a prolonged debate about how to give the Class of 2020 an appropriate way to celebrate their graduation within pandemic restrictions. 

The stroll has continued each year since then, with parents and friends lining the Strand to film and congratulate the celebrating seniors. 

The event is not sponsored or organized by MBUSD, and relies on parent organization and collaboration with the city and the police.