Courtesy of Jackson State University
“We are so excited to have the Jackson State University band known by so many as the — “Sonic Boom of the South” — march in Pasadena for the 136th Rose Parade on Jan. 1, 2025! The parade and Jackson State share a legacy of music excellence and tradition,” said Morales. “We are incredibly honored to visit Jackson and meet the students and experience their vibrant display of talent first-hand. Together with the world, we will look forward to celebrating the “Best Day Ever!” on January 1.”
Morales will greet the media and briefly discuss the history and impact of the Tournament of Roses and Parade, the selection process, why institutions should participate, and various ways universities can fundraise to meet participation costs, among other associated topics. Morales will also attend the JSU Blue & White Spring Football Game on Saturday at Veterans Memorial Stadium.
“We are honored to host President Morales at Jackson State. His visit holds great significance because it further emphasizes the magnitude of this opportunity for our dedicated students whom he will meet and engage with during his time here,” said Roderick Little, Ph.D., director of bands at JSU. “We look forward to the planned activities, including the gym jamboree on Saturday, where President Morales will see the musicianship of our high school bands in the capital city. Most importantly, we are excited to showcase the Sonic Boom of the South’s unparalleled talent and energy on the grand stage of the Pasadena Tournament of Roses Parade.”
Morales has been a volunteer Member of the Association since 1992. He will serve as President for the Tournament of Roses through 2025, providing leadership for the 136th Rose Parade presented by Honda and the 111th Rose Bowl Game® on Jan. 1, 2025.
Throughout his illustrious tenure at the Tournament of Roses, Morales has been the driving force behind numerous committees, wielding his expertise in areas such as TV and Radio, Community Relations, Membership, Decorating Places, Queen and Court, Media Operations and Post Parade. After the promotion to Committee Chair in 2006, his journey escalated to a pivotal role on the Tournament Board of Directors in 2011, followed by his election to the Executive Committee in 2016.
Professionally, Morales is a Partner with the Law Offices of Borton Petrini, LLP. He is a member of the California State Bar and the Los Angeles County Association, through which Morales is admitted to practice in the prestigious United States Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals and the United States District Court, Central District of California. Beyond his impressive involvement with the Tournament of Roses, Morales is a member of the Pasadena Optimist Club and has previously lent his expertise as the 66th President of the Pasadena Jaycees in addition to a four-year term on the Jaycees’ Board. His community spirit extends further as a former Board member for Pasadena-based social service champions Foothill Family Services and Hathaway-Sycamores. Morales’ commitment led him to serve on the School Board of St. Philip the Apostle School including School Board President. He also serves on the Foundation Board for the California School of the Arts.
Morales is a lifelong San Gabriel Valley resident raised in the City of San Gabriel and a graduate of Don Bosco Technical Institute in Rosemead. He received his undergraduate degree in History from UCLA, followed by a Juris Doctorate from Loyola Law School.
Morales and his wife, Lisa, live in Pasadena and have two children, Lainey and Jessie. Lainey attends Arizona State University in Tempe, Arizona and Jessie is studying at Emerson College in Boston, Massachusetts.