by Dot Cannon
2026 Rose Court – left to right: (#564) Riya Gupta, California Institute of Technology (Caltech); (#386) Serena Hui Guo, Arcadia High School; (#346) Keiko Rakin, Alhambra High School; (#553) Olivia Hargrove, Pasadena City College; (#579) Sophia Bai Ren, Arcadia High School; (#606) Naira Elaine Wadley, John Muir High School; (#490) Livia Amy de Paula, Temple City High School.
Music filled the air, courtesy of PCC’s Lancer Band.
The excitement at Tournament House was palpable, even for those of us watching from home on Monday morning.
Nine o’clock was approaching. This morning, Pasadena Tournament of Roses® would officially announce the 2026 Rose Court, for the 137th Rose Parade®.
The festivities begin
As we watched remotely, the number of viewers on Tournament of Roses®’ YouTube channel grew. By the time of the announcement, over 300 were watching the live stream.
“Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome the Chair of the Queen and Court Committee: Ron Rodriguez!”
With a flourish from the Honor Band, Chairperson Rodriguez emerged from Tournament House’s double doors and took the podium.
“We are so honored and delighted to have you join us on this beautiful fall morning in Pasadena,” he said.
“As you all know, the theme of the 2026 Tournament of Roses® is ‘The Magic in Teamwork’.
“How exciting that we get to create a brand-new team, right here before your very eyes…made up of seven remarkable and impressive young women who, as ambassadors for the Tournament of Roses, will preside over the 137th Rose Parade®by Honda, and the 112th Rose Bowl game on Thursday, January first.”
Acknowledgements and introductions
Before the Rose Court finalists appeared, Chairperson Rodriguez took a moment to acknowledge another dedicated team: the members of Tournament of Roses’ Queen and Court Committee.
The audience applauded as the white-suited committee members appeared on the Tournament House veranda.
But they didn’t appear alone.
“I would also like to thank and recognize our spouses, partners, friends and family members, also known as our ‘plus-ones’,” continued Chairperson Rodriguez.
The smiling group took their place on the veranda next to the committee members.
“You are a valuable part of our team, as well. Your continued support, attention to detail, constant love and understanding is very much appreciated. A heartfelt ‘thank you’.”
Everyone applauded.
Valued supporters
As the committee and their supporters headed back into Tournament House, Chairperson Rodriguez next acknowledged PCC’s Lancer Band, who were providing live music.
“And please allow me to welcome the new Director of the PCC Lancer Band, for his very first Rose Court announcement: Dr. Peter Huerta!”
Several rounds of applause followed as Chairperson Rodriguez thanked the band for their continued support.
Then, he continued, “We are thrilled to announce that Pasadena City College is once again partnering with us, this year, as the official sponsor of the Rose Court float.
“To everyone at PCC, and especially, Superintendent President Jose Gomez, thank you for your partnership.”
After a series of acknowledgements to additional sponsors, the moment was approaching.
Past and future Rose Court members
“Once you’ve been a member of the Rose Court, you are forever a part of the Tournament of Roses® family,” Chairperson Rodriguez said.
“I’m very pleased to welcome back three cherished members of our family who have joined us here this morning to help with our announcement.”
Applause greeted 2002 Rose Court member Caroline Miller, now a UCLA graduate who received a Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Toro College. Next came 2020 Rose Court member Reese Saporito, now in her second year of legal studies at USC after graduating from Northwestern University; and 2025 Rose Court member…
“Well, at least for the next ten minutes,” ad-libbed Chairperson Rodriguez.
…Simone Ball, who is currently in her freshman year at the University of Arizona, studying broadcast media as she majors in journalism.
The three young women linked arms and descended the red-carpeted steps of Tournament House together.
The time had come to introduce the 2026 Rose Court finalists.
The finalists
“…Every September, we make the agonizing and difficult choice to select only seven (of these incredible young people),” said Chairperson Rodriguez, after alluding to the Rose Court finalists’ leadership in academics, sports, community service–“and frankly, in most cases, it’s all of them combined.”
“But what a group. What a team.
“Would you like to meet them?” he asked, with a mischievous smile.
A “yes”, cheers and applause indicated an affirmative from the audience.
Twenty-eight young women, each escorted by a white-suited Tournament member, began emerging, one by one, from Tournament House. Each carried a long-stemmed red rose and took her place on the steps as her name, school and number were announced.
When the steps held four rows of smiling Rose Court finalists, Chairperson Rodriguez announced, “Now, please help me welcome the President of the 2026 Tournament of Roses–Mr. Mark Leavens!”
The President’s announcement
Amid applause and a flourish from the band, President Leavens took his place at the podium.
After thanking Chairperson Rodriguez and the Queen and Court Committee, he referenced the 2026 Rose Parade theme, “The Magic in Teamwork”.
“…As our community recovers and rebuilds from the devastating fires in January, we need teamwork perhaps now more than ever,” he said.
“These seven young women selected today will become part of our Tournament teamwork, that annually celebrates the joy and hope of new beginnings with the start of each New Year.
“And I can tell you, after watching their interviews, this group is very joyful and very hopeful. As Rose Court members, they will become enthusiastic ambassadors for the Tournament of Roses, representing the very best in our community.
“So now, it’s my honor to introduce to you, the seven members of the 2026 Rose Court.
“…From Temple City High School, Livia de Paula, number 490!…
“…from John Muir High School, number 606, Naira Wadley!…
“…from Arcadia High School, number 579, Sophia Ren!…
“…from Pasadena City College, number 553, Olivia Hargrove!…
“…from Alhambra High School, Keiko Rakin, number 346!…
“…from Arcadia High School, number 386, Serena Guo!…
“And our seventh and final finalist, from the California Institute of Technology, number 564, Riya Gupta!”
Looking forward to New Year’s Day
Screams of joy from the audience and flourishes from the band greeted each announcement. Each new Rose Court member stepped forward to stand near the podium. A previous Rose Court member presented each young woman with a bouquet of red roses.
“Ladies and gentlemen, we proudly present the 2026 Tournament of Roses®Rose Court!’
The other finalists smiled and applauded as the new Rose Court stepped forward. The audience responded with sustained cheers and applause.
President Leavens thanked the audience and sponsor Citizens Bank.
“We look forward to seeing you on January first,” he concluded.
And–so do we! Congratulations, to the new members of the 2026 Rose Court and to all the amazing, talented young people who applied.
This morning’s festivities are a great reminder of the hope, resilience and community spirit that make the Rose Parade® something special.