Serena Hui Guo Crowned 2026 Rose Queen in Grand Ceremony

Serena Hui Guo, a senior at Arcadia High School, was crowned the 107th Rose Queen on October 28, 2023, during a ceremony held at the Tournament House in Pasadena, California. This announcement was made by Mark Leavens, President of the Tournament of Roses, as part of a celebratory event that also introduced the seven members of the 2026 Rose Court.

Celebrating Community and Achievement

Guo’s selection as Rose Queen marks a significant milestone for both her and the community. She will serve alongside fellow court members: Riya Gupta from Caltech, Livia Amy de Paula from Temple City High School, Sophia Bai Ren from Arcadia High School, Keiko Rakin from Alhambra High School, Naira Elaine Wadley from John Muir High School, and Olivia Hargrove from Pasadena City College. Each member of the Rose Court receives a scholarship of $7,500 to support their educational pursuits.

This year’s Rose Parade, themed “The Magic in Teamwork,” is scheduled for January 1, 2024, and will feature the Rose Court float parading down Colorado Boulevard. The Grand Marshal for this year’s event is the renowned NBA star and entrepreneur, Earvin “Magic” Johnson.

A Rigorous Selection Process

The journey to becoming Rose Queen is extensive, beginning with the application process that opened in August. Over 40 finalists were chosen after a thorough interview process in September. In light of recent challenges, including the devastating Eaton fire, eligibility criteria were adjusted, allowing displaced students from specific areas to participate.

As a member of the Rose Court, Guo and her peers will engage in a variety of community events, enhancing their public speaking and leadership skills while connecting with local leaders. This experience aims to build their self-confidence and refine their etiquette, preparing them for future endeavors.

Strongly committed to public service and law, Guo is also the captain of the Congressional Debate Team and an active member of the Arcadia Speech and Debate Team and Varsity Volleyball. Her community involvement includes volunteering at the Arcadia Public Library and the Foothill Unity Center. Guo plans to study public policy with a minor in biomedical engineering at institutions such as Stanford University, University of Southern California, or UC Berkeley.

Other notable members of the Rose Court include:

• Livia de Paula – President of the Associated Student Body at Temple City High School, she aims to pursue nursing and has volunteered at Kaiser Permanente Hospital.
• Riya Gupta – A mechanical engineering student at Caltech, passionate about robotics and spaceflight, with aspirations to work at NASA.
• Olivia Hargrove – A sophomore at Pasadena City College studying aerospace engineering, with aspirations for a career in engineering.
• Keiko Rakin – Founder of the Young Authors’ Alliance, she plans to study human rights and creative writing, aspiring to become a lawyer and author.
• Sophia Ren – Founder of Youth4ward, a nonprofit supporting foster children, she aims to combine music and advocacy in her future career.
• Naira Wadley – Active in her community as a treasurer and coach, she plans to study psychology and work with adolescents.

The crowning of Serena Hui Guo as Rose Queen marks not just a personal achievement but also a celebration of community spirit, ambition, and the importance of educational support for young leaders.