Mayor of Costa Mesa John Stephens, along with Council Members Manuel Chavez and Jeff Harlan, took part in a parade and ceremony on Sunday Sept. 12, honoring Orange County Olympians, including Costa Mesa Olympic Gold Medalist April Ross.

The ceremony, which was held at the American Legion Post 291 at Memorial Park in Newport Beach was organized by OC Supervisor, District 2, Katrina Foley’s office.

Mayor Stephens, who emceed the event, and Council Members  Chavez and Harlan presented Ross with a Costa Mesa street sign in her name and the coveted key to the city, an honor rarely bestowed on a resident.

“We are so proud of what April and her teammate Alix Klineman were able to accomplish at the Tokyo Olympics,” Stephens said. “April is a Costa Mesa volleyball legend, and it was an honor to celebrate her gold medal victory. Her skill and dedication are an inspiration.”

Ross, who was a volleyball star at Newport Harbor High School, posted to her Instagram that she was thrilled to be honored.

“So fun celebrating with the Costa Mesa/Newport Beach cities that raised me,” she wrote. “I was also extremely honored to receive from my home town (Costa Mesa) a KEY TO THE CITY, that I was told gets me into any and all donut shops whenever I want, AND my very own street sign (not actually a street but I plan to put it up in front of my driveway).”

Nine local Olympians attended the event. In addition to Ross, Costa Mesa resident Charlie Buckingham, who competed in sailing at the Tokyo Olympics was also recognized.

Also attending Sunday’s event were Congresswoman Michelle Steel, Assembly Member Cottie Petrie-Norris and State Senator Tom Umberg. Newport Beach Council Members Joy Brenner and Diane Dixon, Seal Beach Mayor Joe Kalmick, Los Alamitos Mayor Mark Chirco and Westminster Mayor Tri Ta, Newport-Mesa Unified School District trustees Ashley Anderson and Michelle Barto were also in attendance.