The Tournament of Roses has officially announced the selection of the 2026 Rose Queen and her court, with senior Serena Guo crowned as the 137th Rose Queen. The announcement was made during a special ceremony at the Tournament House in Pasadena on October 28, 2025. Guo will be joined by six princesses as they represent the organization throughout various community events leading up to the New Year’s Day Rose Parade.
The Rose Court, comprising Olivia Hargrove, Keiko Rakin, Livia dePaula, Riya Gupta, Naira Wadley, and Sophia Ren, is tasked with participating in nearly 100 events from October to January. Their engagements include riding on one of the iconic Rose Parade floats and attending the highly anticipated Rose Bowl game.
Meet the 2026 Rose Court
To be eligible for the Rose Court, candidates must be between the ages of 17 and 21, maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0, and be full-time students within the Pasadena Area Community College District. This year’s cohort stands out not only for their achievements but also for the diversity of their backgrounds. Notably, it is the first time in 11 years that college students have been selected, and it includes the first student from Caltech and the first current student from Alhambra.
Each member of the court brings unique strengths and experiences to their roles. Here are brief profiles of these outstanding young women:
Serena Guo is a passionate advocate for law and justice, serving as a member of her school’s student leadership and a volunteer at the Foothill Unity Center. She plans to study public policy and biomedical engineering at prestigious institutions including Stanford University or USC.
Livia dePaula, a senior at Temple City High School, is dedicated to mentoring non-native English speakers and is involved in various leadership roles at her school. She aspires to become a nurse anesthetist and plans to further her education at either San Diego State University or UCLA.
Riya Gupta, a freshman at Caltech, is the first Caltech student on the Rose Court and is currently studying mechanical engineering and business. With aspirations to work at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, she is also engaged in research on public health issues.
Olivia Hargrove, studying aerospace engineering at Pasadena City College, is the first PCC student on the court in over a decade. She has a strong background in engineering and plans to continue her studies at a university such as UC Berkeley.
Keiko Rakin, a senior at Alhambra High School, is the first current student from Alhambra on the Rose Court. She is actively involved in her community and has founded the Young Authors’ Alliance, focusing on literary arts.
Sophia Ren, another senior at Arcadia High School, combines her passion for music and advocacy through her nonprofit organization supporting foster children. She plans to study music production and sociology.
Naira Wadley, who recently experienced the devastating loss of her home in the Eaton fire, serves as a youth Rotarian and is involved in various sports. She aims to pursue a doctorate in psychology to support adolescents.
Community Engagement and Events
The Rose Court members participated in Equestfest at the Los Angeles Equestrian Center on December 29, 2025. This event allows the public to preview the equestrian units that will be featured in the upcoming Rose Parade. The court also engaged with the community during a luncheon hosted by the Alhambra Chamber of Commerce, where they interacted with local residents and shared their experiences.
On November 20, 2025, the court visited USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, where they learned about medical advancements and donated gifts to patients. This engagement underscores their commitment to community service and advocacy.
The Rose Parade, a cherished tradition, is set to take place on January 1, 2026, and will showcase vibrant floral floats, equestrian units, and marching bands, drawing millions of spectators from around the world. The 2026 Rose Queen and her court are poised to play a vital role in this iconic event, embodying the spirit of community and celebration that the Tournament of Roses represents.
In summary, the selection of Serena Guo and her court symbolizes the dedication and diversity of young leaders in the Pasadena community. Their upcoming activities promise to foster community spirit and highlight the importance of youth involvement in local initiatives.
