In a vibrant display of community spirit, the 2026 Rose Court was officially introduced, with Serena Guo crowned as the 107th Rose Queen. The announcement took place during a ceremony held at the Tournament House in Pasadena on October 28, 2025. Guo, alongside her court, will represent the Tournament of Roses at events leading up to the iconic Rose Parade on New Year’s Day.
The Rose Court comprises seven young women, all between the ages of 17 and 21, who were selected based on academic achievement, community involvement, and leadership qualities. Each member of the court is a full-time student from the Pasadena Area Community College District or neighboring areas, with a minimum GPA of 2.0. This year, the court includes an impressive mix of students, with two currently enrolled in college and several representing various local high schools.
Community Engagement and Activities
The members of the Rose Court, including Guo, Olivia Hargrove, Keiko Rakin, Livia dePaula, Riya Gupta, Naira Wadley, and Sophia Ren, are actively participating in numerous community events. Their engagements include a recent performance at Equestfest, held at the Los Angeles Equestrian Center on December 29, 2025, where they showcased the parade’s equestrian units to an enthusiastic audience.
At the Pasadena Chamber of Commerce’s Annual President’s Breakfast on December 4, 2025, the court received gifts and recognition for their roles. They are also involved in outreach activities, including a recent lunch hosted by the Alhambra Chamber of Commerce, where they connected with students and community members.
Spotlight on the Rose Court Members
Each member of the Rose Court brings a unique background and set of aspirations. Serena Guo, a senior at Arcadia High School, has a strong commitment to community service through her work with the Foothill Unity Center, an organization dedicated to helping the homeless. She aspires to study public policy and biomedical engineering at a prestigious university such as Stanford University or USC.
Livia dePaula, the court’s co-president of the Healthy Lungs Club and a senior at Temple City High School, aims to become a nurse anesthetist. Meanwhile, Riya Gupta, a freshman at Caltech, is the first student from her university to serve on the court. She is studying mechanical engineering and has a keen interest in robotics and space exploration.
Other members, like Olivia Hargrove, pursuing aerospace engineering, and Keiko Rakin, who is involved in creative writing and human rights advocacy, reflect the diverse talents and aspirations of this year’s court. Each member is dedicated to making a positive impact in their communities while pursuing their educational goals.
The Rose Court’s activities not only highlight their individual achievements but also showcase their commitment to community service and leadership. With the Rose Parade fast approaching, the court is poised to inspire others and represent the values of the Pasadena community.
