The world is always changing. But one thing seems to always be there: the annual announcement of the Tournament of Roses Rose Court.
This year is no different.
On Monday, Sept. 29, a group of 28 finalists chosen from a larger applicant pool of 41 Pasadena-area schools will be narrowed to the seven who will comprise the Rose Court for the Jan. 1, 2026, Rose Parade.
It is a big moment for a group of young people who will become ambassadors for the Tournament of Roses in a year in which the Eaton fire impacted so many in the Tournament of Roses’ local footprint.
This year, in light of the Eaton fire, the Tournament allowed applicants who were displaced by the fire to apply as long as they attended a school within the eligibility area. The area is determined by the Pasadena City College District map along with seven additional zip codes that include Eagle Rock, Highland Park, San Gabriel and Alhambra.
On Monday at the famous Tournament House, the 28 finalists will be joined by friends, family and Tournament members as the seven members of the 2026 Rose Court are announced.
To set the mood, they’ll be joined by a live band, and about 200 people gathered for what organizers called an “iconic event.”
This year’s theme is the “The Magic in Teamwork!”, so whoever the final seven are, expect just that as the Parade draws near.
It’s been a journey so far for the applicants in a month-long process.
The selection process involves a series of interview sessions at Tournament House in early September. They are selected based on a combination of qualities. That includes public speaking ability, youth leadership, academic achievement and community and school involvement.
Each Rose Court member will receive a $7,500 academic scholarship. But it’s what they give that will touch a community. Once they move through personal development programs designed to enhance their public speaking and presentation abilities, boost self-confidence and refine their etiquette skills, “Rose Court members are provided with opportunities to actively participate in the community, make positive contributions and discover ways to connect with local leaders,” according to the Tournament of Roses.
In other words, they become ambassadors of the Tournament of Roses, representing the organization at community events leading up to Jan. 1, 2026.
On New Year’s Day, the Court will ride in the 137th Rose Parade. Then, they’ll attend the College Football Playoff Quarterfinal at the 112th Rose Bowl Game.
To recap, the 28 finalists for the Rose Court are:
-Julina Elizabeth Mireles, Gabrielino High School;
-Paloma Skye Murga, Mayfield Senior School;
-Madeline Chae, Los Angeles County High School for the Arts;
-Juliana Emma Rubio, South Pasadena High School;
-Arianna Shamo, Flintridge Sacred Heart Academy;
-Jaclyn Junghee Sim, Flintridge Preparatory School;
-Riya Gupta, California Institute of Technology (Caltech);
-Olivia Lynn Ferrari, La Salle College Preparatory;
-Violet Tran, La Salle College Preparatory;
-Anya Ashish Patel, Polytechnic School;
-Lola Ye, Temple City High School;
-Cozette June Rinde, La Cañada High School;
-Clare Gonzalez, San Marino High School;
-Serena Hui Guo, Arcadia High School;
-Evelyn Grace Fetterman, Pasadena High School;
-Livia Amy de Paula, Temple City High School;
-Danica Morgan Lee, San Marino High School;
-Payton Anderson, Flintridge Sacred Heart Academy;
-Sophia Bai Ren, Arcadia High School;
-Qianyi Wang, Arcadia High School;
-Keiko Rakin, Alhambra High School;
-Naira Elaine Wadley, John Muir High School;
-Camila Loria, Eagle Rock High School;
-Audrey Montaño, La Salle College Preparatory;
-Catelyn Abagale Hodson, South Pasadena High School;
-Mia Bugarin, La Cañada High School;
-Audrey Ann Hoffman, San Marino High School; and
-Olivia Hargrove, Pasadena City College.
Seven of them will be the next Rose Court. And one of them will be the next Rose Queen. That announcement will come in late October. So stay tuned. And get ready for the waves.