by Dot Cannon
Stephanie Edwards told a story no one had ever heard before.
The 2015 Royal Court announced a new, first-time activity among their upcoming appearances.
And Tuesday evening’s announcement and coronation of the Tournament of Roses’® ninety-seventh Rose Queen®, included the Rose Parade®’s trademark blend of these “firsts” with decades of tradition.
Longtime KTLA Rose Parade® commentator Edwards took the stage outside the Pasadena Civic Auditorium at seven sharp, to introduce the assembled families and guests to each of the seven Rose Princesses of Tournament of Roses®’ 2015 Royal Court. From these young women, selected from thirty-one finalists just over two weeks ago, a Rose Queen® would be chosen and crowned this evening.
In her opening remarks, Edwards mentioned that the selection of the Queen dated back to 1905. Just prior to introducing the members of the Royal Court, she also referenced the 2015 parade’s theme, “Inspiring Stories”, by sharing an inspiring experience of her own , which she said she was telling for the first time.
Edwards told her audience that she, in high school, had emceed her Homecoming Queen coronation festivities for three years.
“I would…get to the point where the Queen and her two princesses would be announced,” she said. “Now, during those three years that I was emcee, I also happen to have been one of the nominees.” Which meant, she said, that she would have to leave her emcee duties to one of the teachers to go up onstage with her fellow nominees for the announcement of the three winners.
“But I was told each year that if I was not part of the court, I should just resume my work as the mistress of ceremonies,” Edwards said. “Well, I needn’t tell you, of course, that is exactly what happened, three years in a row–I found myself running back to the podium a loser. It gave me a certain tenacity, sense of humor, the courage to continue…and in fact I still have a letter from our high school guidance counselor, who said, ‘Dear Stephanie, don’t feel bad, we all love you, …and you know, if it comes to that, you can probably always make a living talking.'” Laughter rippled through the audience as she added, “And here we are.”
Then, it was time to introduce the seven members of the 2015 Royal Court. Edwards asked each young woman about her experience, so far, as a Rose Princess, and to introduce her family.
In response to Edwards’ questions about her Royal Court experience, seventeen-year-old Simona K. Shao, of Westridge School, said she was looking forward to riding on the Goodyear Blimp. Several princesses referred to the weekend all of them had just spent in Newport Beach together, and Bergen Onufer mentioned how much she’d enjoyed getting to “rose” someone for the first time over the weekend. (“Rosing”, she explained, is attaching a tiny appliqued red rose to someone’s lapel during an official appearance.)
And during this discussion, one princess mentioned that this year’s Royal Court will get to include a special Newport Beach activity among the more-than-100 appearances they’ll make, prior to the Rose Parade®. They’ll get to ride in another traditional parade–the Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade, currently in its 106th year.
After the introduction of the Royal Court, came the announcement for which everyone was waiting.
Tournament of Roses President Rich Chinen took the stage. “As much as each of these Royal Court members stands out,” he said, “I’m told every Royal Court needs its Queen.” Queen and Court Committee Chairman Mark Leavens handed him an envelope.
“The 2015 Rose Queen is–Madison Triplett.”
Screams, hugs, and lots of photographs followed. So did a traditional crown and a set of tiaras for the princesses–as well as a solemn Queen’s Oath, administered by President Chinen.
“I was in complete shock,” said the new queen afterwards. “All I could was remember was all the princesses coming and just giving me a huge hug and congratulating me, and I just feel so proud and blessed that I’m able to be an ambassador to the Tournament of Roses® as Rose Queen®.”
Triplett, who is seventeen, lives in Altadena and attends John Marshall Fundamental High School. She said today had been a full day for all the Rose Princesses.
“I feel like just today, the girls and I have gotten so much closer, before the announcement, because we spent the entire day together.” Triplett said. “(One of the Tournament members) picked me up, and he brought all of us doughnuts…and then we went to Spa Sante and got our hair done, which was fun, and then we made it over here to the Pasadena Convention Center to do our makeup and to eat lunch, and we just talked a lot to each other and we got mirrors, and we were just looking in the mirrors and taking pictures and just being teenage girls.”
Triplett’s college plans include a major in economics and a minor in French at Tulane University. Her ultimate goal is to develop a non-profit organization to educate minorities on financial literacy. “I will be bringing (to my organization) the fact that anything is possible,” she said “With ‘Inspiring Stories” being the theme, I feel that it teaches everyone that you can do what you want to do if you believe in yourself.”