Twenty-eight finalists for the 2027 Rose Court were announced on Tuesday by the Pasadena Tournament of Roses. These high school students, representing 41 Pasadena-area schools, are now vying for one of seven coveted spots that come with scholarship money and a prominent role in the region's iconic New Year's Day celebrations.
The final seven members of the 2027 Rose Court will be named next Monday, following an interview process conducted by the Pasadena Tournament of Roses. The organization expressed its excitement to "continue the treasured legacy" of the Rose Court, noting that members "benefit by connecting with their communities, giving back in meaningful ways and blooming with self-confidence from valuable experiences they will carry with them for a lifetime," as stated by the Pasadena Tournament of Roses.
Among the finalists are several students from local high schools. From Arcadia High School, the chosen students include Madeline Wong, Ksheeraja Chilkepalli, and Daniela Guzman. La Salle College Preparatory is represented by Allison DeMesa and Eula Johnson. Clare Vitt, Zoe Chen, and Isabelle Whiting are finalists from South Pasadena High School. Flintridge Sacred Heart Academy also has multiple finalists: Karina Toro, Leilah Robertson, and Viviana Leyva.
Pasadena High School’s finalists are Isabella Roberts and Moira Taylor. Evita Bridge and Mary Martin hail from Mayfield Senior School. San Marino High School has Lucy Wendling, Marloe Vaughan Lower, and Sarah Esbenshade among the finalists. Mia Goonetilleke and Elizabeth Rweyemamu were selected from Polytechnic School, while Tessa Choi, Piper Ku, and Caroline Kelly are finalists from La Cañada High School.
Rounding out the group of 28 are Angelina Yip of Mark Keppel High School; Maria Teresa McDonald of Thurgood Marshall Secondary School; Irene Maddox of Eagle Rock High School; Marcel Hazelton of John Muir High School; and Madeline Smith of Maranatha High School.
The Tournament of Roses’ Queen & Court Committee selected these finalists based on several criteria. The committee considered academic achievement, community and school involvement, public speaking ability, and demonstrated youth leadership during their selection process.
Each of the seven individuals ultimately selected for the Rose Court will receive a $7,500 academic scholarship. Beyond the financial support, they will also participate in personal-development programs focused on honing public speaking, presentation skills, self-confidence, and etiquette.
During their tenure, Rose Court members are expected to take part in various community activities and meet with local leaders, fulfilling their roles as ambassadors for the Tournament of Roses.
Come January 1, 2027, the 2027 Rose Court will ride along Colorado Boulevard as part of the 138th Rose Parade. They are also scheduled to attend the College Football Playoff Quarterfinal at the 113th Rose Bowl Game, marking their presence at two of Southern California's most anticipated annual events.
