Meet the 2025 Tournament of Roses Royal Court.
The seven young members of the Court were all smiles Monday morning, Sept. 30, after the Tournament of Roses narrowed a field of what was dozens of applicants weeks ago to then 28 finalists last week.
“Today, we just announced our Rose Court, another amazing thing we do for seven young women in this community, and in turn they are amazing ambassadors for these associations,” Tournament of Roses President Ed Morales said.
The new Rose Court stood at the front steps of the Tournament House Monday morning, introducing themselves to a city and region where they will serve as ambassadors for the 136th Rose Parade on Jan. 1.
They are:
Simone Ball from Arcadia High School, Saniyah Brunston from John Muir High School, Lindsay Charles from Westridge School, Lara Georgian from Mayfield Senior School, Kate Kelly from La Cañada High School, Lisette Parker from Maranatha High School and Natalia Pradhan from Flintridge Preparatory School.
“I was overwhelmed with so much joy,” Ball said. “I started crying happy tears. I’m very excited to work with all these lovely ladies here.”
Brunston said that her entire family, friends and cheerleaders from her school have showed up to support her.
“When I was really little, I watched the Rose Parade, and there was a Black princess, ever since that day, I told my mom that when I was old enough, I’d try out for the Court too,” she said.
For Pradhan, being on the Rose Court feels “surreal.”
“Every girl in Pasadena tries out,” she said. “I have been to the Rose Parade so many times, my friend, she lives on Orange Grove, so I thought it would be fun, but I never expected to make it. This is so surreal, and I’m just feeling so thrilled and exciting, and being able to represent Pasadena..I don’t even have the words for it, it’s such an amazing opportunity,”
Later in October, one of them will be named Rose Queen.
This year’s interview process saw applicants from 49 Pasadena-area schools competing for spots on the Rose Court.
The Tournament of Roses this year expanded the area from which it selected the Rose Court, officials announced in August.
Traditionally, the geographic area from which the Court comes has been the Pasadena Area Community College District, where applicants must be a full-time resident and a senior in high school or enrolled as a full-time student (minimum 12 units) in any accredited school or college.
But for 2025, the Tournament expanded the area to or in zip codes 90032 (Los Angeles//El Sereno), 90041 (Los Angeles/Eagle Rock), 90042 (Los Angeles/Highland Park), 91775 (San Gabriel), 91776 (San Gabriel), 91801 (Alhambra), 91803 (Alhambra).
“We have several finalists from new geographical areas, but no one was selected for the Rose Court,” Morales said. “But please continue to try out, it will happen eventually.”
The Rose Court will ride down Colorado Boulevard on Jan. 1, 2025, during the 136th Rose Parade, which is themed “Best Day Ever!” They will also attend the College Football Playoff Quarterfinal at the 111th Rose Bowl Game later that day.
Volunteer members of the Tournament of Roses’ Queen & Court Committee selected the finalists based on several factors, including academic achievement, community and school involvement, public speaking ability and youth leadership, the Tournament said.
Each winner receives a $7,500 educational scholarship and participates in community and media functions. They will also undergo personal development training in areas such as pubic speaking and etiquette, as well as serve as ambassadors of the Tournament of Roses, the Pasadena community, and the greater Los Angeles area.
The Rose Court will visit Disneyland for a press conference on Tuesday, Morales said. A week from now, the Tournament will announce the Grand Marshall at 10 am.
“So please all tune in for that, or come to the House and join us,” he said.
And then, on Parade day: Waves, smiles and representing, on the trip on a float on Parade day.
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