Tournament of Roses Announces 8 Rose Scholars, Awards Them $20,000 in Scholarships

The Tournament of Roses didn’t ask its scholarship applicants for their grade point averages. It asks them to make something.

Eight graduating seniors from the Pasadena Unified School District have been named the 2026 ROSE Scholars by the Pasadena Tournament of Roses and Citizens Business Bank, each receiving a $2,500 scholarship selected through a process built around creative expression rather than academic standing.

To apply, students submitted a creative piece representing their future aspirations, a one-page written reflection, and a recommendation from a teacher, coach, counselor, or community member — nothing more.

The program, now in its sixth year, has distributed $120,000 in total scholarship funds to PUSD graduates since Citizens Business Bank and the Tournament of Roses launched it in 2021.

The 2026 scholars are Giovanni Benitez of Pasadena High School, Sienna Wei Bonoli, Elexis Guerra and Brianna Miguel of John Muir High School, Ellerose Chan and Maryn Goodwin of Thurgood Marshall Secondary School, Kylie Garcia-Johnston of Rose City High School, and Louden Rangel of Blair High School.

Their plans span a wide range of fields.

Benitez intends to study philosophy at UC Irvine before pursuing medical school. Bonoli, the lead designer of John Muir’s Mustang Design Lab, plans to attend the Rhode Island School of Design. Guerra will head to UC Berkeley to study engineering, and Goodwin to UCLA for sociology and urban planning. Rangel, who has served as an intern at the Pasadena Museum of History and a junior docent at the Gamble House, plans to study architecture at Pratt Institute. Miguel, head drum major of both the PUSD All Star Marching Band and the John Muir Mighty Mustang Marching Band, is deciding among Cal Poly Humboldt, Cal Poly Pomona, and Cal State LA. Garcia-Johnston, who volunteers for Pasadena LEARNS, plans to study nursing at Pasadena City College. Chan, a Girl Scout Ambassador and member of the National Art Honor Society, also plans to attend Pasadena City College.

“This year’s Rose Scholars are a powerful reminder that talent and potential show up in different ways,” said Terry Madigan, president of the 2027 Tournament of Roses.

“Through creativity and self-expression, these students have shared who they are and what matters to them, and that takes both courage and heart. We believe the arts play an essential role in education, helping students find their voices and see new possibilities for their future. We’re proud to partner with Citizens Business Bank, whose continued support helps bring this program to life each year. It’s an honor to support these remarkable young people as they take their next steps.”

Daniel Limon, executive vice president and banking division manager for Citizens Business Bank, praised the program and the partnership with the Tournament of Roses, according to the Tournament’s press release. He described the bank’s support as an investment in local youth and in creating opportunities for future generations.

Dr. Helen Hill, PUSD’s chief academic officer, was present at the scholarship announcement alongside the students, organizers, and bank representatives.

More information about the 2026 scholars, including individual student biographies, is available at tournamentofroses.com.