Meet the 107th Rose Queen, Serena Guo!

On a sweltering October afternoon, amidst a throng of family, friends, and media, Serena Hui Guo, a senior from Arcadia High School, was named the 107th Rose Queen. The announcement, a touchstone of Pasadena tradition, was made by Tournament of Roses President Mark Leavens on the historic steps of the Tournament House.

Guo, who seemed genuinely stunned by the announcement, covering her mouth with her hand, quickly composed herself. When asked how she felt, she expressed her excitement to continue the journey with her fellow court members.

“I’m so excited,” she said. “I’m even more excited to continue the year with the rest of my girls.”

Earlier in the day, she admitted, her primary concern was not the outcome of the ceremony but her speech.

“I was worried about getting my speech over with to make sure that I wouldn’t mess up anywhere,” she confided. Guo also said that she was proud of the responsibility that the Tournament of Roses has placed upon her, and that she is proud to lead.

Queen Serena will be joined by the six other members of the 2026 Royal Court: Livia Amy de Paula of Temple City High School, Riya Gupta of Caltech, Sophia Bai Ren of Arcadia High School, Keiko Rakin of Alhambra High School, Naira Elaine Wadley of John Muir High School, and Olivia Hargrove of Pasadena City College. The seven young women were selected from a pool of nearly 400 applicants in a months-long process.

Each member of the court receives a $7,500 academic scholarship. Members are chosen based on criteria including academic achievement, community and school involvement, public speaking ability and youth leadership.

The Rose Parade, a New Year’s Day tradition since 1890, will celebrate its 137th iteration on January 1, 2026. The first Rose Queen, Hallie Woods, reigned in 1905, and the tradition has since become a cherished part of the festivities. The theme for the 2026 parade is “The Magic in Teamwork,” with NBA legend Earvin “Magic” Johnson serving as the Grand Marshal.

Queen Serena, an accomplished student who is captain of her school’s Congressional Debate Team and a varsity volleyball player, hopes to pursue a career in law. In a message to the community that has bestowed this honor upon her, she expressed her gratitude.

“Thank you all for putting the responsibility on me to represent you as a community,” she said, “and I’m so proud to be able to do that.”

The Queen and the Royal Court will serve as ambassadors for the Tournament of Roses, making numerous public appearances before their grand ride down Colorado Boulevard on New Year’s Day.