La Canada High School senior Nadia Chung was crowned as the 2022 Rose Queen Tuesday evening at Tournament House in Pasadena.
“I didn’t expect it,” Chung said after being chosen as the 103rd Rose Queen from among the seven-member Tournament of Roses Royal Court. “I heard my name and once it finally registered I was just so happy and so excited.”
Chung said she and her fellow Royal Court members “have grown to be the closest, closest friends” since being chosen Oct. 4.
Chung is managing editor of The Outspoken Oppa, a website where teenagers can share their viewpoints on important issues. It is named for the Korean term for older brother.
Chung also competes in speech and debate competitions and helps organize free debates workshops. She enjoys performing classical ballet and hiking with friends.
Chung said she intends to study political science and journalism with the hopes of becoming a civil rights attorney focusing on social justice.
Chung and her six princess will attend dozens of community and media events leading up to the 132nd Rose Parade and 107th Rose Bowl Game on New Year’s Day.
Each member of the court receives a $7,500 educational scholarship as part of the Tournament of Roses’ legacy.
Members of the court are chosen from among hundreds of applicants each year, based on criteria including public speaking, academic achievement, youth leadership and community and school involvement.
The other members of the Royal Court are:
— Jeannine Brigs of John Marshall Fundamental High School;
— Ava Feldman of South Pasadena High School;
— Abigail Griffith of Pasadena High School;
— Swetha Somasundaram of Arcadia High School;
— McKenzie Street of Flintridge Sacred Heart; and
— Jaeda Walden of La Canada High School.
The theme of the 2022 Rose Parade, the 133rd procession, is “Dream. Believe. Achieve.” Actor, philanthropist and reading advocate LeVar Burton will be the grand marshal.