The Acalanes High School Class of 2024 cruised along Mt. Diablo Boulevard in brightly decorated cars on May 24, marking the culmination of their high school years with an annual car rally tradition.

Approximately 150 family members, friends, and local residents lined the street to cheer on the graduating seniors. The car rally, which started in 2020 as a COVD-19-safe celebration, has since become a cherished community event, supported by the Lafayette Chamber of Commerce and the Lafayette Police Department. 

“[The car rally] started in 2020 as a celebration for that graduating class, given it was COVID. We’ve also really been trying to partner with the city [of Lafayette] more,” said Katherine Walton, Acalanes High School activities director and ethnic studies teacher. “We live in such a small town with so many amazing businesses, and so the chamber was really supportive of it. The police chief has been really supportive of it, too, and it’s just a chance to celebrate the senior class while also having the community celebrate with them.” 

This year’s rally saw a record participation of 175 seniors out of a class of 350, totaling about 50 cars. The event was organized by the senior leadership class in collaboration with Walton, the Lafayette Police Department, and the Acalanes Parents Club.

Seniors traditionally decorate their cars with writings, garlands and balloons, often revealing their future plans, such as college choices. 

Liam Gallacher, a 12th grader, highlighted the significance of the event for maintaining connections with classmates and displaying college destinations. “I decorated my car with black and gold chalk markers for Colorado colors,” he said, referring to the University of Colorado. 

For many, the rally fosters a sense of community spirit during their final week of high school. 

“To me, the car rally is a time for the senior class to come together for one last event. It’s meaningful because it’s exciting and a chance to bond with friends and classmates,” said senior Maya Bleich.

The rally’s growing popularity underscores its importance as a tradition. 

Jack Gebhardt, an Acalanes Leadership Spirit Board member and 11th grader, said, “It is an event that brings our community closer together and represents unity, and it is also just really fun and heartfelt to be able to cheer on your friends like that. Overall, it is a really great way to end your time with high school friends.” 

*Additional resources:

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Haley Chelemedos is an 11th grader at Acalanes High School in Lafayette.