The County will celebrate the Olympic Gold medalist at the Dream Big parade

Cuyahoga County, OH - Let’s get ready to celebrate! Cuyahoga County Executive Chris Ronayne and County Councilman Michael Houser will join Cleveland Heights residents for a special parade honoring hometown champion, Olympic Gold Medalist Laila Edwards on Sunday, June 14 at 10am. The Dream Big parade will step off at Washington Boulevard and Cottage Grove Avenue and conclude with a community celebration at Coventry PEACE Park. Edwards will serve as Grand Marshal.

As part of the celebration, Executive Ronayne and Councilman Houser will present Edwards with the Key to the County and officially proclaim June 14 as Laila Edwards Day, honoring her outstanding achievements, leadership, and impact on the community.

A Cleveland Heights native, Edwards has made history on the national and international stage, inspiring a new generation of athletes to dream big and break barriers. Her hockey journey began at the Cleveland Heights Community Center ice rink, where she developed the skills that launched her remarkable career. In college, she helped lead the University of Wisconsin Badgers to three NCAA National Championships. In 2023, Edwards became the first Black player named to the U.S. Women’s National Hockey Team. In 2026, she became the first Black woman to compete for the U.S. Olympic Women’s Ice Hockey Team, playing a pivotal role in Team USA’s gold medal victory at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan.

“Laila Edwards has captured the hearts of our community with her talent, determination, and groundbreaking achievements,” said Cuyahoga County Executive Chris Ronayne. “She has shown young people throughout Cuyahoga County that with hard work and perseverance, anything is possible. We are proud to celebrate her accomplishments, present her with the Key to the County, and proclaim Laila Edwards Day in her honor.”

“Laila represents the very best of Cleveland Heights and Cuyahoga County,” said Cuyahoga County Councilman Michael J. Houser, Sr. (District 10). “She has made history, inspired young athletes, and given our community so much to celebrate. This is a chance for all of us to come together and recognize a hometown hero whose achievements continue to make us proud.”

Key to the County is one of Cuyahoga County’s highest honors awarded to individuals whose achievements bring distinction to the community and inspiration to others.

Residents are encouraged to attend the parade and help give Laila Edwards the hometown celebration she deserves.