Royal Court chosen for the 2026 Tournament of Roses. Here they are – Orange County Register

Royalty. Roses. A renewed year for the Tournament of Roses, which announced the 2026 Rose Court on Monday morning, Sept. 29.

A group of seven Tournament of Roses princesses was chosen from 28 finalists from 41 Pasadena-area schools.

They will comprise the Rose Court for the Jan. 1, 2026, Rose Parade.

It is a big moment for a group of young people who will become ambassadors for the Tournament of Roses in a year in which the Eaton fire impacted so many in the Tournament of Roses’ local footprint.

After resounding applause for the 28 finalists, Tournament of Roses President Mark Leavens announced final seven in an outdoor ceremony at the Tournament House.

They are:

-Riya Gupta, California Institute of Technology (Caltech);

-Serena Hui Guo, Arcadia High School;

-Livia Amy de Paula, Temple City High School;

-Sophia Bai Ren, Arcadia High School;

-Keiko Rakin, Alhambra High School;

-Naira Elaine Wadley, John Muir High School; and

-Olivia Hargrove, Pasadena City College.

Leavens said that as the area rebuilds after the Eaton fire, “we need teamwork perhaps more than ever,” and the young people chosen exemplified that effort.

“These seven young women selected today will become part of our tournament teamwork,” he said, referencing the Tournament’s theme this year,  “The Magic in Teamwork!”. “This group is very joyful and very hopeful.”

This year, in light of the Eaton fire, the Tournament allowed applicants who were displaced by the fire to apply as long as they attended a school within the eligibility area. The area is determined by the Pasadena City College District map along with seven additional zip codes that include Eagle Rock, Highland Park, San Gabriel and Alhambra.

On Monday at the famous Tournament House, the finalists were joined by friends, family and Tournament members as the seven members of the 2026 Rose Court were announced.

The full 28 finalists made choosing the seven “extremely difficult,” Leavens said.

To set the mood, they were joined by a live band, and about 200 people gathered for what organizers called an “iconic event.”

The selection process involves a series of interview sessions at Tournament House in early September. They are selected based on a combination of qualities. That includes public speaking ability, youth leadership, academic achievement and community and school involvement.

Each Rose Court member will receive a $7,500 academic scholarship. But it’s what they give that will touch a community. Once they move through personal development programs designed to enhance their public speaking and presentation abilities, boost self-confidence and refine their etiquette skills, “Rose Court members are provided with opportunities to actively participate in the community, make positive contributions and discover ways to connect with local leaders,” according to the Tournament of Roses.