Pasadena’s beloved Tournament of Roses announced its 2027 Rose Queen on Tuesday, selecting Irene Maddox, a senior at Eagle Rock High School, to lead the Rose Court for the upcoming festivities.
The coronation ceremony took place on the front steps of the historic Tournament House, where Tournament of Roses President Terry Madigan placed the crown on Maddox’s head. Nineteen former Rose Queens, including 1945 queen Mary Rutte Wallace—the oldest living Rose Queen—were in attendance, underscoring the tradition’s deep roots dating back to 1905.
Maddox was chosen from a seven‑member Rose Court that was revealed on September 28. The other court members are Evita Bridge of Mayfield Senior School, Tessa Choi of La Cañada High School, Daniela Guzmán of Arcadia High School, Maria Teresa McDonald of Thurgood Marshall Secondary School, Elizabeth Rweyemamu of Polytechnic School, and Lucy Wendling of San Marino High School.
Selection Process and Scholarship
Applicants from 41 Pasadena‑area schools participated in a rigorous selection and interview process that began in August. Each Rose Court member will receive a $7,500 academic scholarship and will serve as an ambassador for the Tournament of Roses, attending community events and representing Pasadena throughout the holiday season.
Upcoming Appearances
The newly crowned queen and her court will ride on a float in the 138th Rose Parade on January 1, 2027, and will also attend the College Football Playoff Quarterfinal at the 113th Rose Bowl Game. The parade’s theme, “Welcome,” was selected by President Madigan. The grand marshal for the parade has not yet been announced.
Pasadena residents can look forward to seeing the Rose Court at a variety of local events leading up to the parade, including school visits, charity fundraisers, and civic celebrations that highlight the city’s commitment to tradition, community service, and family values.
The Rose Queen tradition remains a cherished part of Pasadena’s cultural heritage, offering young women a platform to showcase leadership, academic achievement, and community spirit. As the 2027 queen prepares for her duties, the city anticipates another memorable New Year’s celebration rooted in decades of history.
Original reporting: NBC4 Los Angeles — read the source article.
