214@100: Prospect Marching Knights in 1986 Rose Bowl parade

In 1986, the Prospect High School Marching Knights were invited to march in the famous Rose Bowl Parade in Pasadena, California, for the first time. (PMK also marched in the Macy's Day Parade in 2002 and returned to Pasadena in 2006).

On the day of the 1986 parade, everyone awoke at 3 a.m. and got ready for the 5½-mile route. "I will never forget after the first half-mile of the parade, someone held up a sign saying, 'Five miles to go' and I thought, 'Oh my god, we have so much farther to go,'" said then-Rhythmette and current health teacher Michele Burnett.

According to Burnett, the experience was worth the extra work they had to put in.

"It was a blast," Burnett said. "It is one of the highlights of my Prospect career by far."

Through the years, PMK has earned state and national accolades, including numerous state championships.

• 214@100 is a celebration of District 214's centennial; 100 people, places, things and events that shaped its unique history. To contribute ideas, email us at district214@dailyherald.com.