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Outstanding, Plus a Crown October 29, 2024

by Dot Cannon

(2025 Rose Court – left to right: Lisette Parker, Maranatha High School; Saniyah Brunston, John Muir High School; Lara Georgian, Mayfield Senior School; Rose Queen Lindsay Charles, Westridge School; Natalia Pradhan, Flintridge Preparatory School; Simone Ball, Arcadia High School; Kate Kelly, La Cañada High School. (Photo courtesy of Pasadena Tournament of Roses, and used with permission.)

Holding their bouquets, seven smiling young women stood waiting on the steps of Pasadena’s Tournament House.

These were the newly-chosen members of the 2025 Rose Court, announced just four weeks previously.

And on this Tuesday afternoon, 2025 Pasadena Tournament of Roses® President Ed Morales would announce which of them had been selected as Pasadena’s 106th Rose Queen®.

Several minutes earlier, President Morales had emerged from Tournament House to address the gathered guests and media.

“Less than four weeks ago, we proudly introduced our 2025 Rose Court,” he said.

“And since then, they’ve been busy working with our outstanding coaches, on public speaking, media training, etiquette and leadership.

“In between all that work, they’ve managed to have some fun too. And the fun is just beginning…”

Awaiting the announcement

After introducing 1993 Rose Queen® Liana Yamasaki, President Morales introduced each member of the 2025 Rose Court as they emerged from Tournament House.

To cheers and applause, he continued, “Ladies and gentlemen, the 2025 Rose Court!

“Ladies, we’ve arrived at the moment that we’ve all been waiting for, ” President Morales continued.

“But before I reveal the Queen, I want to tell you how proud we are of all of you, and how honored I am to share this year with you.”

At his request, Tournament of Roses Queen and Court Committee Chair Leigh Gluck handed him “the envelope”.

“Ladies and gentlemen, our 106th Rose Queen®is…Lindsay Charles.

“Queen Lindsay, please step forward.”

The newly-announced Rose Queen® complied, receiving a bouquet of red roses from Queen Liana as the others filed back inside Tournament House.

President Morales administered the Queen’s Oath, then donned white gloves to place the diamond-encrusted crown on Queen Lindsay’s head. Cameras clicked and beeped, spectators applauded and the crowd laughed gently as he took to the stairs to crown the statuesque young woman.

The six Rose Court princesses, who had returned with their own rose bouquets, stood behind their new Queen. The audience applauded and cheered.

“Ladies and gentlemen, the 106th Rose Queen®, and the 2025 Rose Court!” announced President Morales.

“Thank you for your continued support,” he told the audience in his closing remarks.

“We can’t wait to celebrate with you on New Year’s Day, for the ‘Best Day Ever’.”

Congratulations to Queen Lindsay, and to her court, for being the outstanding young leaders that they are! We’ll look forward to seeing them on January 1, 2025.

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