Seven students from across the Pasadena area will ride the Royal Court float on Jan. 1 after the Tournament of Roses named its 2027 Rose Court on Monday, Sept. 28.
Tournament of Roses President Terry Madigan read each name from individual envelopes at a ceremony on the south lawn of Tournament House, as first reported by the Pasadena Star-News. Nearly 200 friends, family members and supporters watched as each honoree walked down a short flight of stairs and received a bouquet of roses.
The 2027 Rose Court members are:
- Evita Bridge, Mayfield Senior School
- Tessa Choi, La Cañada High School
- Daniela Guzman, Arcadia High School
- Irene Maddox, Eagle Rock High School
- Maria Teresa McDonald, Thurgood Marshall Secondary School
- Elizabeth Rweyemamu, Polytechnic School
- Lucy Wendling, San Marino High School
Each member receives a $7,500 educational scholarship.
Maddox covered her mouth in shock when Madigan said the words "Eagle Rock High School." She told reporters she is the first Eagle Rock student on the Rose Court since the 1960s.
"I would really encourage everyone to get involved in their community … one person can make a huge difference," Maddox said.
McDonald is the daughter of Brian McDonald, who served as Pasadena Unified School District superintendent. She represents one of two students from Pasadena-area public schools on this year's court.
The seven were chosen from applicants representing 41 Pasadena-area schools after a month-long selection process, according to the Star-News. Volunteer members of the Tournament of Roses' Queen and Court Committee evaluated candidates on academic achievement, community involvement, public speaking ability and youth leadership.
During the first round of interviews on Sept. 6, Madigan told Pasadena Now that the 15-second format makes it difficult to understand who candidates really are. The full roster and scholarship details were published by Colorado Boulevard.
One of the seven will be crowned Rose Queen in October. All seven will ride the Royal Court float during the 138th Rose Parade and attend the College Football Playoff quarterfinal at the Rose Bowl on Jan. 1, 2027. The parade's theme is "Welcome."
