Over 35 years after Alhambra’s first Rose Queen and Court Luncheon, the Chamber of Commerce celebrated history on December 2 by honoring Alhambra High senior Keiko Rakin, the first Alhambra resident selected for the Rose Court. At this year’s annual luncheon, over 100 local Alhambra business leaders, elected officials, and community members gathered at Almansor Court to celebrate the Alhambra Chamber’s annual Rose Queen and Court Luncheon.
Lynette Romero from NBC4 kicked off the event with a panel of the outstanding young women selected for the Rose Court and the Rose Queen, Serena Guo. “The 2026 Rose Court is a shining example of young leaders from all across the San Gabriel Valley, including right here in Alhambra,” she shared. For over a century, the Tournament of Roses Court has highlighted seven young women each year who are selected for their achievements, leadership, and community service. In 1988, Dr. Annie Siu, the first female president of the Alhambra Chamber of Commerce, invited the Rose Queen and Court to its first luncheon in Alhambra. Her initiative started what is now a beloved community tradition, continuing to this day.
For most of its history, the Rose Court has selected seniors exclusively from the Pasadena Area Community College District. After advocacy from Keiko Rakin and Susan Pilcher, a member of the Alhambra Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, it was just last year that the eligibility was expanded to several nearby cities, opening the opportunity for many more remarkable women. Rakin, addressing attendees of the luncheon, shared the following:
“This is the event that started it all. Two years ago, I was a sophomore in high school and I was invited to an Alhambra Chamber of Commerce Rose Court Luncheon… it was the first time that I had ever seen the court, and I was blown away… I asked how I can be a part of it… and was heartbroken that I wouldn’t even have a chance or opportunity to try out… I decided to write a letter to the Tournament of Roses association, and it went all the way up, expanding the geographic eligibility… I owe it all to the amazing supporters in this room… this event means so much to me, because it’s really a cumulation of all the things that I’ve worked really hard for, and I’m so excited to see many future Alhambra girls on the Court.”
As attendees enjoyed a beautifully prepared lunch from Almansor Court, the room buzzed with pride and excitement for the remarkable young women representing the region. The luncheon served as both a celebration of the Court and a reminder of the city’s longstanding commitment to uplifting young leaders and creating opportunities for future generations.
“I want to thank you all for supporting and giving back to the community that we all love,” said Maria Gao, president of the Alhambra Chamber of Commerce. With the Tournament of Roses Parade standing as one of the most watched New Year’s Day events in the nation, Rakin’s presence on the 2026 Rose Court marks a proud moment for Alhambra, and she and her fellow Court members will be featured in the 137th Tournament of Roses Parade on New Year’s Day.
