Irene Maddox of Eagle Rock High School was crowned by Tournament of Roses President Terry Madigan during a ceremony Tuesday on the front steps of Tournament House. The event included 19 past Rose Queens, including 1945 queen Mary Rutte Wallace, the oldest living Rose Queen.
Maddox was selected from seven members of the Rose Court, announced Sept. 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.
Applicants from 41 Pasadena-area schools took part in the selection and interview process, which began in August.
Each Rose Court member will receive a $7,500 academic scholarship and serve as an ambassador for the Tournament of Roses, participating in community events leading up to the parade.
The queen and court will ride on a float in the 138th Rose Parade on Jan. 1, 2027. They are also scheduled to attend the College Football Playoff Quarterfinal at the 113th Rose Bowl Game.
The parade’s theme is “Welcome,” selected by Madigan. The grand marshal has not yet been announced.
The Rose Queen coronation tradition dates to 1905.
Get our daily Pasadena newspaper in your email box. Free.
Get all the latest Pasadena news, more than 10 fresh stories daily, 7 days a week at 7 a.m.
