The Rose Court, part of Pasadena’s long-standing Tournament of Roses, is an annual selection of young women who embody leadership, community involvement, and academic excellence. Each year, the Rose Court members serve as ambassadors for the Tournament, participate in numerous public engagements, and receive scholarships for their future academic pursuits. This tradition, dating back over a century, culminates in the selection of a Rose Queen who leads the court and participates in the iconic Rose Parade on New Year’s Day.

What is the Rose Court?

The Rose Court is composed of seven members chosen from hundreds of applicants across Pasadena and nearby communities. The selection process emphasizes values such as public speaking skills, community engagement, and academic achievements. In recent years, the Tournament of Roses Association has expanded the geographical eligibility for applicants, welcoming participants from surrounding areas to further diversify and enrich the court’s representation of the greater Los Angeles community. Each court member is awarded a scholarship, currently set at $7,500, which reflects the Tournament’s dedication to educational support.

History and Role of the Rose Court

The Rose Court began as a way to honor local women who exhibited qualities of leadership, community involvement, and personal integrity. Members of the Rose Court engage in numerous community events, developing public speaking skills, self-confidence, and interpersonal abilities. As ambassadors, they promote the Tournament of Roses and represent the Pasadena community on both local and international stages.

Selection Process for the Rose Court

The journey to becoming a Rose Court member starts with interviews, held at Pasadena’s Tournament House in September. Candidates participate in multiple rounds, narrowing down the applicants through evaluations that prioritize community service, leadership potential, and interpersonal skills. By the end of September, the top seven members are announced, and one is crowned the Rose Queen, a title accompanied by additional responsibilities in public engagements and media appearances. The 2025 Rose Court selection saw 28 finalists from Pasadena area schools, from which the final seven will be chosen.

Rose Court Events and Duties

Members of the Rose Court serve as Pasadena’s ambassadors, engaging with local community events, educational activities, and media appearances leading up to the Rose Parade and Rose Bowl Game. This role not only promotes the Tournament of Roses but also fosters personal growth through public speaking workshops, etiquette training, and community service opportunities. The culmination of their work is showcased during the Rose Parade, a spectacular New Year’s Day event in Pasadena, where the Rose Queen and her court ride atop a flower-laden float and wave to thousands of onlookers along the parade route.

The Importance of the Rose Parade and Rose Bowl

The Rose Parade and Rose Bowl Game have been Pasadena traditions since the early 1900s, drawing viewers from around the world. The Rose Parade features elaborate floral floats, marching bands, and equestrian units, celebrating community pride and creativity. The 2025 Rose Parade will mark the 136th anniversary, with the Rose Court and Queen front and center. The Rose Bowl Game, a cornerstone of college football, has become integral to this celebration, often serving as a playoff game for top college teams.

Rose Court’s Cultural Impact

For participants, the Rose Court experience can be transformative. The court fosters lifelong friendships, public confidence, and leadership qualities. Alumni of the Rose Court have gone on to diverse professional fields, often attributing part of their success to the skills and values instilled during their time as court members. This esteemed tradition continues to inspire young women across Pasadena, symbolizing dedication, ambition, and civic pride in the community.

Rose Court is much more than a Pasadena tradition; it is a blend of community service, personal development, and educational encouragement that enriches the lives of its members and the community. As the Rose Parade and Rose Bowl attract global attention each year, the Rose Court plays a pivotal role in upholding Pasadena’s cherished legacy and expanding it through its ambassadors of goodwill and leadership.

2025 Selection Process and Eligibility

The selection process for the Rose Court begins each September. Candidates, typically high school seniors or college students aged 17-21, are eligible if they live within the Pasadena Area Community College District and maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0. Initial interviews are held at the historic Tournament House in Pasadena, where candidates meet a panel of judges and participate in multiple rounds that assess their academic achievements, community involvement, and communication skills. Selected court members each receive a $7,500 scholarship and benefit from numerous personal development programs to prepare them for future opportunities.

2025 Rose Court Members and Rose Queen Announcement

For 2025, seven outstanding young women have been selected for the Rose Court, and they will participate in a series of community events, public appearances, and media engagements leading up to the Rose Parade. The crowning of the 2025 Rose Queen, one of the most anticipated events in Pasadena, will occur on October 29. The Rose Queen will be chosen from the Rose Court members and will have additional responsibilities, including serving as the lead ambassador for the parade and bowl game, and attending the College Football Playoff Quarterfinal at the Rose Bowl​.

FAQs

What is the Rose Court? 

The Rose Court is a group of young women chosen annually to represent the Pasadena Tournament of Roses, an iconic event featuring the Rose Parade and Rose Bowl Game. The court comprises one Rose Queen and six Rose Princesses, who serve as ambassadors to the community and partake in various public engagements.

How are Rose Court members selected? 

Selection is based on a series of interviews and evaluations by a panel of judges who assess applicants’ community involvement, public speaking skills, and commitment to service. Candidates must also meet specific residency and educational requirements and be between the ages of 17 and 21.

What benefits do Rose Court members receive? 

Each member of the Rose Court receives a $7,500 scholarship, training in public speaking, etiquette, and professional development, and numerous opportunities to engage with the community. Additionally, they participate in the Rose Parade and attend the Rose Bowl Game.

What are the eligibility requirements to apply for the Rose Court? 

Eligible applicants must be high school seniors or college students in the Pasadena area, meet a GPA requirement, and be committed to attending all Rose Court-related events. Specific details on eligible areas and age restrictions can be found on the official Tournament of Roses website.

In Summary

The Rose Court remains a cherished symbol of Pasadena’s dedication to community, tradition, and the empowerment of young women. As ambassadors of the Rose Parade and Rose Bowl, Rose Court members not only celebrate the New Year but also embody the values of leadership, service, and cultural heritage that the Tournament of Roses strives to promote. 

The 2025 Rose Court exemplifies these ideals, bringing together talented young women to inspire their peers and community. This unique tradition continues to support personal growth and public engagement, ensuring that each new Rose Court contributes to the legacy of the Pasadena Tournament of Roses.

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