In an annual tradition portending the arrival of Rose Bowl season, seven young ladies were chosen Monday as members of the 2019 Tournament of Roses Royal Court.
The seven Royal Court princesses, one of whom will be chosen Rose Queen later this month, were chosen from among 44 finalists that were selected from hundreds of original applicants. The group will attend nearly 100 community and media events leading up to the Rose Parade and Rose Bowl Game on Jan. 1.
Members of the Royal Court are chosen based on criteria including public speaking ability, academic achievement, youth leadership and community and school involvement.
The members of the Royal Court are:
-- Lauren Michele Baydaline, a senior at Westridge School and resident of South Pasadena
-- Ashley Symone Hackett, a senior at John Muir High School and a Pasadena resident
-- Rucha S. Kadam, a senior at La Canada High School and a La Canada Flintridge resident
-- Sherry Xiaorui Ma, a Temple City resident and a senior at San Marino High School
-- Micaela Sue McElrath, a senior at Westridge School and a Pasadena resident
-- Helen Susan Rossi, a Flintridge Preparatory School senior and La Canada Flintridge resident
-- Louise Deser Siskel, a senior at Sequoyah High School and a San Marino resident
The Rose Queen will be announced and crowned on Oct. 23 at the Pasadena Playhouse.
