Seven Pasadena-area teens were chosen Monday as members of the 2016 Tournament of Roses Royal Court, which will preside over dozens of events leading up to the Rose Parade and Rose Bowl game.
The names of the Royal Court princesses, all 17 years old, were announced at a ceremony on the steps of Tournament House in Pasadena.
The princesses and the schools they attend are:
— Bryce Marie Bakewell, Flintridge Sacred Heart Academy;
— Donaly Elizabeth Marquez, Blair High School;
— Natalie Breanne Hernandez-Barber, Alverno High School;
— Rachelle Chacal Renee Liu, San Marino High School;
— Regina Marche Pullens, Maranatha High School;
— Sarah Sumiko Shaklan, La Canada High School; and
— Erika Karen Winter, Flintridge Preparatory School.
Members of the court are chosen based on criteria including poise, speaking ability, academic achievement and community and school involvement. More than 900 people applied for a spot on the seven-member court.
“The 2016 Royal Court is comprised of seven impressive young women who – – starting today — will be ‘finding adventure’ as we build up to America’s New Year’s Celebration on Jan. 1,” said Ed Morales, chair of the Tournament of Roses Queen and Court Committee. “Over the next few months, the Royal Court will participate in a wide variety of events and experiences that will be memorable for years to come.”
The court will attend nearly 100 community and media functions in the weeks leading up to the 127th Rose Parade and 102nd Rose Bowl game. The theme of this year’s parade is “Find Your Adventure.”
The 98th Rose Queen will be chosen from among the seven princesses on Oct. 22 at the Pasadena Convention Center.
—City News Service