The 2026 Rose Court, led by Rose Queen Serena Guo, has begun a series of community engagements leading up to the iconic Rose Parade on New Year’s Day. The Rose Court, consisting of seven young women, represents the Tournament of Roses at various events, including Equestfest at the Los Angeles Equestrian Center on December 29, 2025, where they showcased their equestrian units to an enthusiastic audience.
The members of the Rose Court include Olivia Hargrove, Keiko Rakin, Livia dePaula, Riya Gupta, Naira Wadley, and Sophia Ren. They recently participated in the Pasadena Chamber of Commerce’s Annual President’s Breakfast on December 4, 2025, where they were presented with gift ornaments and had the opportunity to interact with community members.
The selection process for the Rose Court is competitive, involving a months-long effort by volunteers at the Tournament of Roses. Candidates must be aged between 17 and 21, maintain a minimum grade point average of 2.0, and be full-time students within the Pasadena Area Community College District or specific neighboring zip codes.
This year’s Rose Court features remarkable individuals, including two college students, a first for the court in over a decade. Among them is Riya Gupta, a freshman at Caltech and the first student from the institution to join the court. Gupta aims to advocate for science accessibility, a mission she embraces through her research on the impact of the Eaton fire on public health.
The members of the court engage actively with their communities. Livia dePaula, a senior at Temple City High School, serves in multiple leadership roles while supporting English learners in her school. Keiko Rakin, a senior at Alhambra High School, made history as the first current student from Alhambra to be part of the court and is dedicated to creative writing and human rights advocacy.
Serena Guo, a senior at Arcadia High School, has a passion for law and public policy. She has taken on various roles, including serving as a student tutor and volunteer at the Foothill Unity Center, which assists those experiencing homelessness. Guo hopes to pursue a degree in public policy and biomedical engineering at a prestigious university.
During their time together, the Rose Court members have attended several events, including a visit to the USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center on November 20, 2025. There, they learned about cancer research and patient care, further highlighting their commitment to community service and education.
In addition to their official duties, the court’s members have shared personal stories that resonate with many. For instance, Naira Wadley is using her platform to raise awareness about the resilience of her community following her family’s loss in the Eaton fire earlier this year. Wadley is actively involved in various school sports and leadership roles, aspiring to study psychology in the future.
The Rose Court will continue to promote positivity and community spirit as they approach the Rose Parade, where they will ride on a float and participate in the Rose Bowl game. Their journey serves as an inspiration to many young women in the Pasadena area, showcasing the values of leadership, service, and empowerment.
As the countdown to the Rose Parade begins, the 2026 Rose Court stands ready to make a significant impact within their community and beyond. Their collective efforts exemplify the spirit of the Rose Parade and its enduring legacy.
