by Dot Cannon
“Today I have the pleasure of announcing this year’s Rose Queen®,” said 2026 Pasadena Tournament of Roses Association President Mark Leavens.
Standing on the steps of Tournament House on Tuesday afternoon, President Leavens had begun his announcement, live streamed on YouTube, by alluding to Pasadena’s first queen: 1905 Rose Queen® Hallie Woods.
“…And since that time,” he continued, “generations of remarkable young women have carried this tradition forward with grace, intelligence and heart.
“…Each Rose Court have left their mark, bringing new energy and meaning to a tradition that continues to shine as brightly today as it did a century ago.
“…Less than four weeks ago, we proudly introduced the 2026 Rose Court. And since that day they have jumped right into their role with enthusiasm and commitment. They’re ready to step into the community, share their stories and spread the magic of the Tournament of Roses.”
A former Queen and current court
After introducing 1993 Rose Queen® Liana Yamasaki, who had come to assist with the announcement of the new Queen, President Leavens said, “Now, let’s meet our court.
“Ladies and gentlemen, please join me in welcoming the seven members of the 2026 Rose Court.”
One at a time, the seven young women, each wearing a floor-length green gown and carrying a bouquet of roses, emerged from Tournament House and stood on the steps.
After all seven had taken their places on the red-carpeted stage, President Leavens announced, “Ladies and gentlemen, the 2026 Rose Court!” Applause followed, along with a fanfare from the Pasadena City College Herald Trumpets.
President Leavens turned to the young women.
“Ladies, now is the moment we’ve all been waiting for. Please know that the members of the Tournament of Roses®are inspired by your grace and commitment to the community. You stand as part of a centuries-old tradition that continues to brighten and inspire generations.”
Then he requested, “And now, Ron, may I please have the envelope.”
The Rose Court® members moved close to one another, linking arms.
The queen
“Ladies and gentlemen, our 107th Rose Queen®is Serena Guo.”
The Rose Court members gave soft squeals of excitement. The new queen stepped forward to receive a hug, a mic and a bouquet of red roses from Queen Liana. As the other members of the Rose Court headed back into Tournament House, President Leavens requested that Queen Serena step forward to center stage.
The Queen’s Oath followed.
“There are several paragraphs here, so please bear with me, and repeat after me,” directed President Leavens before guiding the new Queen through the traditional words.
“Ladies and gentlemen, Rose Queen®Serena Guo,” President Leavens announced, after the oath concluded. Music and applause from the crowd followed as the new queen stood, smiling, on the stage.
The coronation
There was a pause.
“We’re waiting for Serena’s court members to rejoin us,” explained President Leavens.
“We’ll give it just a minute…anybody know a good joke? How about those Dodgers? Where’s Magic Johnson when you need him…he’s actually probably at Chavez Ravine right now.” (And indeed, when he was announced as the 2026 Grand Marshal, almost three weeks ago, Magic mentioned that he was hoping the Dodgers would win!)
To applause and music from the Citrus College Night Shift , the Rose Court members filed back onstage, each wearing a tiara.
President Leavens announced, “Ladies and gentlemen, join me in welcoming, from Mikimoto of Beverly Hills, Diane Hoover!”
Diane Hoover handed him a crown which, according to a Tournament of Roses® press release, contained more than 600 cultured pearls and six carats of diamonds. President Leavens moved to center stage and gently lowered it onto Queen Serena’s head.
“As President of the Tournament of Roses, it is my privilege and honor to crown you as the 107th Rose Queen®.
“Ladies and gentlemen, the 107th Rose Queen®, and the 2026 Rose Court!”
A queen’s schedule
The new Rose Queen®, a senior at Arcadia High School, is captain of the Congressional Debate Team. She’s also a member of the Arcadia Speech and Debate Team, and the Arcadia Varsity Volleyball Team.
Tournament of Roses® emails that Serena serves as a school site leadership representative and student tutor. She’s a community volunteer at the Arcadia Public Library and Foothill Unity Center. She has also participated in legislative conferences, advocating directly with state representatives.
And she and her court are in for a busy 65 days.
The 2026 Rose Queen and the 2026 Rose Court serve as ambassadors of the Tournament of Roses®, the Pasadena community, and the greater Los Angeles area. Between now and New Year’s Day, they’ll attend numerous community and media functions.
Each Rose Court member receives a $7,500 educational scholarship from Pasadena Tournament of Roses® .
Congratulations, Queen Serena, and members of your Rose Court! Can’t wait to see you in the 137th Rose Parade®, on New Year’s Day.