‘Best of the best’ Pasco teacher named 2026 Cinco de Mayo grand marshal
Washington Teacher of the Year Gabriela Whitemarsh has been named the 2026 Cinco de Mayo Parade grand marshal.
The bilingual mathematics teacher was surprised with the prestigious role at Pasco High School on Thursday by Mayor Charles Grimm and school district leadership.
The annual parade marks the start of festivities, performances and events for the Mexican holiday. Hundreds turn out each year to witness the colorful procession, to embrace the cultural significance, and to catch candy.
This year’s event will take place 10 a.m. Saturday, May 2, at Volunteer Park. Main holiday events will take place 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. at Peanuts Park.
Whitemarsh’s role will be to lead the 2026 parade, one of the city’s most cherished celebrations.
It’s also a full-circle moment for the former Bulldog. As a senior at Pasco High, Whitemarsh was named the Cindo de Mayo queen for her outstanding academic achievement.
Mayor Charles Grimm said she represents the “very best of Pasco.”
“Her dedication to students and passion for teaching make her an outstanding choice to serve as Grand Marshal. This year’s parade will proudly celebrate her and the difference she makes every day,” he said in a statement.
Superintendent Michelle Whitney said she was excited for Whitemarsh. She called her the “best of the best”
“We are incredibly proud of her and grateful for the impact she continues to have on our students, families, and community,” she said in a statement.
Whitemarsh — in her tenth year of public school teaching — was surprised in front of students and staff, celebrating a trailblazer known for changing students’ lives and inspiring excellence in the classroom.
She’s known for her groundbreaking work in expanding access to advanced mathematics for Spanish-speaking students.
Whitemarsh founded the Highly Capable Advanced Multilingual Mathematics Program at Pasco High in 2018, inspired by her own observations as a former student wondering why high-achieving Latino and migrant students weren’t taking more rigorous classes.
The program has opened the door for more students to take college-level math classes.
“Education is at the heart of what we do. It opens doors and opportunities — and there’s a ripple effect,” she previously told the Tri-City Herald.
This story was originally published March 19, 2026 at 1:07 PM.
