Last year was the first time Alhambra residents were able to apply for the Rose Court, and we were very proud to have Isabella Jackson as a finalist representing AUSD and the Alhambra community. We hope others will take advantage of this unique opportunity and consider trying out for the 2026 Court.
Article by Isabella “Bella” Jackson, 2025 Rose Court Finalist & AHS Class of 2025
Did you know young women from Alhambra are now eligible to apply for the Pasadena Tournament of Roses Royal Court? Last year marked the first time Alhambra was included in the eligibility area, and Alhambra High School senior Isabella Jackson made history as our city’s first-ever Rose Court finalist. To inspire others to follow in her footsteps, Isabella has written a personal reflection about her experiences:
Growing up in Alhambra, the celebration of the holidays and New Year always meant the coveted Rose Parade was just around the corner. As my senior year at AHS rolled around, I knew my opportunity to get involved with the Tournament of Roses was coming quickly. After confirming my eligibility and a healthy amount of encouragement from my family and friends, I found myself at the front steps of the Wrigley Mansion on a warm September day.
As I scanned the crowds of girls gathering outside the mansion, a feeling of excitement came over me. When the time came for my first interview with the Tournament board, my mind was filled with infinite possibilities. As the doors swung open and I was met with the eyes of what felt like a million people, I knew I was left with no choice but to be myself. A woman on the far end of the panel greeted me and asked, “Why do you belong on the Rose Court?” With no prior interview experience, I paused for a moment before simply stating that I wanted to make myself and my community a better place. As I expressed my gratitude and exited the interview room, I
couldn’t help but exude this foreign feeling of confidence. I turned the corner and was met with dozens, maybe even hundreds of girls, some familiar, some not, all awaiting the same interview process. Despite nerves and high expectations, there was a mutual feeling of camaraderie in the air.
I left my interview feeling an immense amount of pride and was even more shocked to receive an email from the Tournament committee inviting me back for another round of interviews. A group of around 2,000 girls quickly dwindled to 28 finalists, and I was fortunate enough to be one of them.
Despite ultimately not making it onto the court, the process of trying out and getting involved in the tournament was an experience for which I will be forever grateful. Having the opportunity to represent myself and my community on such a significant scale was a tremendous honor. From public speaking to basic etiquette, the Rose Court and Tournament of Roses provided a fun and lively environment for all young women looking to pursue something bigger than themselves.
As of May 30th, Isabella is a proud graduate of AHS and will soon be heading to the University of Colorado Boulder this fall, where she will major in journalism and minor in sports media. She hopes to eventually have a career as a sports journalist. AUSD is grateful to Isabella for representing our community with such poise, grace, and enthusiasm. We encourage all eligible Alhambra residents to learn more and consider applying for the 2026 Rose Court by visiting tournamentofroses.com/about/rose-court/.
