by Dot Cannon
It’s official! Pasadena Tournament of Roses® has announced the Royal Court, for their 2022 Rose Parade®.
And for the first time, Monday morning, the announcement came as a live stream on their YouTube channel.
Now, before we tell you about the ceremony, here are some dates you might like to know.
Tomorrow, October 5th at 9 am, Tournament of Roses’ YouTube channel will live stream the announcement of their 2022 Rose Parade® Grand Marshal. (We have a guess; can’t wait to see if we’re correct!)
Tuesday evening, October 26th, at 6 pm, the Tournament of Roses’ YouTube channel will live stream the announcement and coronation of the 103rd Rose Queen®, selected from the 2022 Royal Court.
And, of course, what we’re all waiting for–Pasadena Tournament of Roses’® 133rd Rose Parade®, begins at 8 am, Pacific time, on Saturday, January 1 2022.
Streaming along from home
In the past, we’ve had the honor of being onsite at Tournament House to photograph and talk briefly with members of newly-announced Royal Courts. But the pandemic forced us to skip this year’s onsite events, out of an abundance of caution
However, we could still feel the excitement, on Monday morning, as we followed along virtually.
Just after 9 that morning, Queen and Court Committee Chair Steven Perry descended the steps of Tournament House for the announcement.
“Today is two years in the making. And what a two years it has been,” he said.
“As we’ve seen, the world can change in an instant. But what doesn’t change, ever, is how demanding it can be a teenager.
“And from what we’ve seen, while meeting (this) inspiring and fearless group of young ladies, is (that) there’s something else that does not change.
“A fierce and enviable determination to keep moving forward. They will not be the first Royal Court to…navigate through interesting times in our history. And they won’t be the last.
“But having had the pleasure of meeting each of these young women, I know they will meet each and every challenge, head-on, with grace and positive thinking mentality, to make their world a better place.”
A challenging selection
Steven said the 29 finalists for the 2022 Royal Court represented over 24 schools in the Pasadena area. These finalists had been chosen from hundreds of applicants.
He added that, in the interest of fairness to all applicants, Tournament of Roses® had extended the eligibility period for applicants from 2020, after the pandemic necessitated cancellation of the 2021 parade.
“That made (the selection process) even more challenging than ever,” he commented.
“We have run into an abundance of exceptional candidates to select from, and today you will meet seven young ladies who will comprise the Royal Court for the 2022 Tournament of Roses® Parade.
After Steven thanked and acknowledged the members of the Queen and Court Committee and their spouses and families for their hard work, he welcomed back Pasadena City College’s Tournament of Roses Honor Band, under the direction of Kyle Luck.
Explaining that “once you’ve been a member of the Royal Court, you’re forever a part of the Tournament of Roses® family,” he welcomed back two former Royal Court members, who would assist with the announcement of the 2022 Royal Court. 2019 Royal Court member Cole Fox and 2017 Royal Court member Emmy Powers emerged from Tournament House.
And then, the time had come to meet the finalists.
Each candidate was escorted down the steps of Tournament House on the arm of one of Tournament of Roses’ 936 “White Suiters”, as Steven announced her school, number and name. The gathered audience applauded and cheered. As each young woman took her place on the steps, the former Royal Court members handed her a long-stemmed red rose.
Suspense built to a peak, as the 29th candidate took her place.
The moment arrives
Next,, Steven introduced 2022 Tournament of Roses® President Dr. Bob Miller. The Lancer Band played a fanfare.
“The theme for the 133rd Rose Parade® if ‘Dream. Believe, Achieve,'” Dr. Miller said. “Celebrating the path of those who travel from dream to reality.
“Our ambitions are limited only by expectations we impose upon ourselves. Our lives, the lives of those we love, our community. Even the world can forever be changed when our hopes are nurtured with passion, fueled with knowledge, and sustained with perseverance.”
“…We are so proud that these young ladies will continue the tradition of representing the 2022 Royal Court with that very same passion and perseverance.
“So let’s get started. Steve, may I have the first envelope?”
A chorus of whoops and expectant cheers sounded as he opened it.
The official announcement
“Here we go,” commented Dr. Miller.
“From Flintridge Sacred Heart Academy, … McKenzie Street!’
Mackenzie came forward to accept her bouquet, to cheers, whistles, applause and a fanfare from the band.
“Next from South Pasadena High School,…Ava Feldman!”
More cheers and music as Ava took her place.
“Number Three. From Arcadia High School…Swetha Somasundarim!”
“Number Four: From La Canada High School…Jaeda Walden!”
“Number Five: Again, from La Canada High School…Nadia Chung!”
“Yeah Nadya!” a man was heard to shout from the audience, prompting smiles and laughter from the new Rose Court member.
“From Pasadena High School, …Abigail Griffith!”
“And our final 2022 court member. From John Marshall Fundamental High School…Jeannine Briggs!”
“Ladies and gentlemen, it is my honor to present to you, the 2022 Tournament of Roses Royal Court!”
The seven new Royal Court members stood beaming on the steps as the band played and the audience applauded. Several looked at one another with expressions of joyous disbelief. Photographers and reporters hurried forward.
And we cheered mentally!
A hearty “congratulations” to the 2022 Royal Court! Can’t wait to see them in their official virtual presentation on Tuesday evening, October 26th, AND on January 1, 2022!