For Allison Ong, the Rose Parade has been a part of her life since childhood. “I actually rode the 1996 Dr. Pepper float,” she recalls joyfully. “It was the year it rained during the parade, what a way to start!”

That early memory sparked a love for the Tournament that only grew stronger. In 2005, Allison joined as a Student Volunteer and returned every year as an alumna until officially becoming a member in 2011. Since then, she’s served on the “Big 3” committees, Volunteers, Alumni Social Media and Host committees and now she’s back with the Student Volunteers committee in her second year as Vice Chair.

Allison is passionate about the committee’s mission, which connects high school and college student volunteers with a variety of Tournament events. “It’s a great committee if you want to experience a wide range of activities,” she says. “Our job is to keep students safe and make sure they have a great time. We hope they’ll be inspired to become members one day. I know several of us former student volunteers who have.”

For Allison, it’s all about the joy and purpose that come with each parade season. “I get giddy when I see the Honda vehicles start showing up on the streets,” she says. “Standing on the parade route in my white suit still feels like a dream. I can’t believe I get to be part of something so special.” That excitement is rooted in a deep respect for the teamwork that makes it all possible. “I love being part of an organization made up of volunteers who work so hard to bring America’s New Year Celebration to life,” she says. “It truly takes all 935 of us. That’s the magic in teamwork.”

This year, Allison is looking forward to welcoming new student volunteers, working alongside her committee and watching the season unfold. “In every committee I’ve been on, there are always people willing to step in and help each other succeed,” she says. “That spirit of teamwork is what makes this all so magical.”

And her commitment to the Tournament? “I’ll be volunteering as long as my body lets me,” she says. “I caught the bug when I was eight and never looked back.”