Pasadena Tournament of Roses Names Seven to 2027 Rose Court

Seven young women have been named to the Pasadena Tournament of Roses’ 2027 Rose Court and will serve as ambassadors for the Rose Parade before attending the Rose Bowl Game on Jan. 1.

The seven are:

• • • Evita Bridge — Mayfield Senior School
    • Tessa Choi — La Cañada High School
    • Daniela Guzman — Arcadia High School
    • Irene Maddox — Eagle Rock High School
    • Maria Teresa McDonald — Thurgood Marshall Secondary School
    • Elizabeth Rweyemamu — Polytechnic School
    • Lucy Wendling — San Marino High School

The announcement was made Monday morning at Tournament House.

Tournament of Roses President Terry Madigan introduced the court and welcomed its members to “the Tournament of Roses family.” He described that family as one that “for nearly 138 years has brought the tradition, beauty and grandeur of America’s New Year celebration to the world.”

“These remarkable young women will share with the world this sense of hope, joy and endless possibilities that we celebrate here in Pasadena on Jan. 1,” Madigan said.

“New Year’s Day in Pasadena has provided lifelong memories for countless generations from around the globe,” he said. “The seven young women I’m about to introduce to you will have front-row seats to this beauty and excitement.”

Madigan said the members “join a line of Rose Courts dating back more than 100 years who’ve inspired generations of young women.”

“I have no doubt that we’re about to witness the beginning of a very special Rose Court that will personify our theme throughout 2027 and beyond,” he said.

Volunteer members of the Tournament of Roses’ Queen & Court Committee made the selections. They judged candidates on criteria including academic achievement, community and school involvement, public speaking ability and youth leadership.

The court will represent the Tournament of Roses at public events and media appearances throughout the season.

According to the Pasadena Tournament of Roses, court members will receive a $7,500 academic scholarship and take part in personal development programs focused on public speaking, leadership and community engagement.

The programs also cover presentation skills, self-confidence and etiquette. Court members have opportunities to become involved in community and volunteer work and to network with local leaders.

Meet the Rose Court!

2027 Rose Court Bios

Evita Cielo Bridge, a senior at Mayfield Senior School, serves on the Athletic Leadership Council and is student director of the dance team. She volunteers with Once Upon a Room, which decorates hospital rooms for children, and Club 21, which supports individuals with Down syndrome and their families. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she started a banana bread business. She hopes to study business, focusing on entrepreneurship, at an out-of-state university and one day launch her own venture or help her mother run the family business. Evita is the daughter of Evy and Jason Bridge and has a twin brother, DeAngelo.

Tessa Rose Choi, a senior at La Cañada High School, founded and leads Hands to Heart, a global nonprofit supporting children and families affected by neuroblastoma. She is also president of Omid for Girls, which teaches math and English to girls in Afghanistan. At school, she founded Business Youth of America, is co-president of Women in STEM and, on the Student Tech Council, advised the district superintendent of technology. A varsity basketball and golf athlete, she is considering business or biotechnology at Stanford or Columbia. Tessa is the daughter of Scott and Alice Choi and has a younger brother, Martin.

Daniela Anaíd Guzmán, a senior at Arcadia High School, plays soccer for her school’s varsity team and LA Surf GA 2009. Through Crossage, she works with younger students through physical education activities. She is bilingual in English and Spanish, volunteers at health and wellness events and has supported mental health initiatives. She hopes to play soccer at a four-year university while studying psychology, sports psychology or sports medicine. She wants a career promoting mental wellness and supporting athletes. Daniela is the daughter of Diana and Jose Eduardo Guzmán and has a brother, Lorenzo.

Irene Lim Maddox, a senior at Eagle Rock High School, is broadcast journalism editor-in-chief of the Eagle’s Scream and founded the Korean Culture Club. She is secretary of Model United Nations, a youth group leader at Christian Assembly Church and captain of the varsity swim and girls water polo teams. She hopes to attend Pepperdine, UCLA, UC Irvine or Stanford to study English, political science, law or broadcast journalism. Irene is the daughter of Grace and Larry Maddox and has a sister, Erin.

Maria Teresa Monserrat McDonald, a senior at Thurgood Marshall Secondary School, is president of the Photography Club and Prom Committee, vice president of the Class of 2027 and captain of the cross country and track and field teams. A National Honor Society member, she participates in UCLA’s Early Academic Outreach Program and volunteers through the Altadena WILD Student Ambassador Program. She hopes to become a labor and delivery or traveling nurse and eventually own an elderly care home or women’s health clinic. Maria is the daughter of Brian and Varinia McDonald and is one of eight siblings.

Elizabeth Tabaro Kengaju Rweyemamu, a senior at Polytechnic School, founded and leads Panthers Forward, a club partnering with Families Forward to support low-income families. She heads The Polygraph, the school’s literary magazine, writes opinion pieces for The Paw Print and is pursuing the Girl Scout Gold Award. She competes in cross country and flag football and will captain track and field this spring. She hopes to study political science and journalism at Barnard, UC Berkeley or UC Santa Barbara before law school. Elizabeth is the daughter of Julie Byrne and Michael Rweyemamu and has a brother, Alexander.

Lucy Joyce Wendling, a senior at San Marino High School, is a nationally ranked equestrian with 12 years of riding and competing. She founded Open Heart Equine Services, which creates equine-assisted opportunities for individuals with special needs. She is a youth small-group leader at Mariners Church and competes in varsity soccer, golf and equestrian. She also volunteers with Pasadena Humane Society, San Marino National Little League and Union Station Family Services. She hopes to pursue a career combining public policy, business and leadership and is considering Notre Dame, Michigan, Wisconsin and Auburn. Lucy is the daughter of Marcianne and Timothy Wendling and has three siblings: Jackson, Harrison and Aubrey.