The Pasadena Tournament of Roses announced the members of the 2026 Rose Court on Sept. 29. Approximately 400 people applied, and 28 girls were chosen to be finalists. Out of those 28, there were three Arcadia High School (AHS) seniors: Serena Guo, Sophia Ren, and Lea Wang.

With over 200 people in attendance, the crowd waited expectantly for the Rose Court reveal. From the 28 finalists, seven girls were chosen to be princesses, including Guo and Ren from AHS. 

“I was shocked because I wasn’t really expecting my name to be called,” said Ren, “Right after that, I just felt happiness, and I felt super honored.”

Each Rose Court member will be presented with a $7,500 academic scholarship and will ride on a float in the 137th Rose Parade—the second biggest parade in the country that over 45 million people watch. They will attend around 75 community events throughout the months they are on the court, serving as ambassadors for the city of Pasadena and the Tournament of Roses Association. Additionally, they will make an appearance at the Rose Bowl game. 

The process of becoming a finalist was a long and difficult one. Members were chosen from the Pasadena Community College District area, with schools including Alhambra High School, California Institute of Technology, and Temple City High School. Qualities such as leadership experience, public speaking skills, academic achievement, and community involvement are all used to evaluate eligibility for being part of the Rose Court. 

“This might sound cliché, but to everyone applying next year, be yourself in the interviews. Genuinely, that is the only way you will enjoy being on the Rose Court and with the other girls, since the committee members consider how well different personalities might fit together,” said Guo. 

There is no written application—it is all through interviews. They started off with 15-second interviews for the first round, then 1 minute, then 1 minute 30 seconds, then 4 minutes. Interviewees introduced themselves and talked about their qualifications for being part of the Rose Court. 

“It was nerve-racking at first; people need a lot of courage to be able to stand up and talk about themselves in front of a group of so many important people. But it got a lot easier as the process went on, and with the people I was talking to. Toward the last round, it felt like I could completely be myself,” said Ren. 

“I got to increase my confidence in myself and really understand myself better. I revisited all that I’ve accomplished in high school,” said Wang. 

Everyone chosen for the Rose Court has admirable characteristics and serves as an inspirational figure for young girls. Additionally, being a part of the Rose Court gives the princesses a lot of opportunities to help their communities. 

“I was able to talk with a ton of really impressive people, and I thought [the other candidates] were all a great embodiment of what the Rose Parade represented,” said Ren. 

Being part of the Rose Court application process was very fun and rewarding for all the girls. Since the participants were from many different schools, it was an opportunity to connect with new people. 

“I was able to meet and create lasting friendships with people who I clicked with instantly,” said Wang. 

“I’m looking forward to hanging with my girls the most, on training days and events. It’s like having a whole new friend group that you can hang out with every day,” said Guo. 

Congratulations again to everyone who made the 2026 Rose Court! The Rose Court queen will be announced on Oct. 28, on the front lawn of Tournament House.

Oct. 29 Update:

The Tournament of Roses named Guo the 107th Rose Queen on Oct. 28.

Photo courtesy of ARCADIA UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT