The 2026 Rose Court, led by Rose Queen Serena Guo, is poised to make an impactful appearance during the upcoming Rose Parade on January 1, 2026. The court, comprising seven young women, was officially introduced to the public at several events, including the Alhambra Chamber of Commerce Rose Court lunch and a fashion show at Macy’s in Pasadena.
The Rose Court plays a vital role in the Tournament of Roses festivities, representing the organization at nearly 100 community and media functions from October through New Year’s Day. The members will ride on a float during the Rose Parade and attend the Rose Bowl game, showcasing their dedication to community service and leadership.
Introducing the 2026 Rose Court
The selection process for the Rose Court involves rigorous criteria. Candidates must be aged between 17 and 21, maintain a minimum 2.0 GPA, and be full-time students within the Pasadena Area Community College District or specific nearby zip codes. This year’s court features a diverse group of young women, each bringing unique strengths and experiences. Notably, this is the first year in over a decade that college students have been included in the court.
The 2026 Rose Court members include:
– **Serena Guo**: A senior at Arcadia High School, Guo has a rich background in community service through the Foothill Unity Center. She is passionate about law and public policy and plans to study at prestigious institutions like Stanford University or the University of Southern California.
– **Livia dePaula**: A senior at Temple City High School, dePaula is active in various leadership roles, including the president of the Associated Student Body. She aims to become a nurse anesthetist and plans to attend San Diego State University or UCLA.
– **Riya Gupta**: As a freshman at Caltech, Gupta is studying mechanical engineering and business. She is the first Caltech student to join the Rose Court and advocates for science accessibility. Her aspiration is to work at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory.
– **Olivia Hargrove**: A sophomore at Pasadena City College, Hargrove studies aerospace engineering and is involved in motorsports and racing teams. She aims to continue her studies at UC Berkeley or UCLA.
– **Keiko Rakin**: Rakin is a senior at Alhambra High School and the first current Alhambra student on the Rose Court. She is deeply engaged in creative writing and community service, hoping to study human rights or philosophy.
– **Sophia Ren**: Another senior from Arcadia High School, Ren is dedicated to music production and advocacy for foster children through her nonprofit organization. She plans to study music production and sociology.
– **Naira Wadley**: A senior at John Muir High School in Monrovia, Wadley faced personal challenges after losing her home in the Eaton fire earlier this year. She aims to study psychology to work with adolescents and serve her community.
Community Engagement and Celebrations
The Rose Court members actively engage with the community through various events. For instance, they participated in Equestfest, held at the Los Angeles Equestrian Center, where they previewed equestrian units for the Rose Parade. This event allows the public to witness the preparations and enthusiasm leading up to the annual celebration.
Additionally, the court visited the USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center to learn about cancer treatment innovations, further demonstrating their commitment to community outreach. During their visit, they interacted with staff and learned about the importance of advancing medical research and patient care.
The 2026 Rose Parade is set to showcase the vibrancy and spirit of the Rose Court, led by Serena Guo, as they bring their unique stories and aspirations to the forefront of this historic event. With a strong focus on community service, leadership, and academic achievement, the Rose Court exemplifies the values celebrated during the Tournament of Roses festivities.
