PASADENA >> Here comes the Queen.
Altadena resident Madison Triplett was named the 97th Tournament of Roses Queen in front of hundreds outside the Pasadena Convention Center on Tuesday night.
“It’s still unbelievable,” said the 17-year-old following the announcement.
Triplett attends John Marshall Fundamental High School and is active with the Pasadena City Youth Council, Black Student Union and student government at Marshall.
She is a varsity volleyball player and hopes to develop a nonprofit that educates minorities on financial literacy. Triplett is the daughter of Reggie Triplett and Jouslynn Griffin and has two siblings, Reggie and Paige.
Stephanie Edwards, KTLA’s Rose Parade television host, was emcee and introduced each of the seven princesses, dressed regally in their navy blue gowns provided by Tasashi Shoji, before the announcement.
“They’re ready to take on the world,” said Edwards.
Tournament of Roses President Richard Chinen’s took over to announce Triplett as the Queen.
Princesses and the Queen from the 2006 Rose Parade were on hand to present a bouquet of roses to the 2015 princesses before Chinen crowned Triplett.
The Queen’s crown was by Mikimoto, who also provided the tiaras for the princesses and pearl necklaces for the entire court. Chinen was on the Royal Court Committee in 2006.
“We are eager for Rose Queen Madison and each member of the Royal Court to share their inspiring stories,” said Chinen.
Several former princesses and queens were also present, including the oldest living Rose Queen Margaret Huntley Main from the 1940 Royal Court and 1941 Rose Queen Sally Stanton Rubsamen.
“(Before the Queen announcement) I was honored that she was part of this great organization and part of the Royal Court,” said Griffin. “When she was announced Queen, I’m absolutely over the moon. I’m very proud of her.”
Triplett’s father, Reggie Triplett, said his daughter had a good feeling about Tuesday night.
“I’m a really positive thinker and I felt it was going to be a positive night,” said Madison Triplett. “I was excited and nervous. I feel really proud.”
The family is prepared as well for the busy schedule ahead for Triplett.
“I’m proud that she understands the responsibilities she has to (youth) as a role model and representative of Pasadena,” said Griffin.
Her court of princesses will be Bergen Onufer, Mayfield Senior School; Simona Shao, Westridge School; Gabrielle Current, Flintridge Sacred Heart Academy; Mackenzie Byers, Pasadena City College; Veronica Mejia, Pasadena City College; and Emily Stoker, Temple City High School.
The seven young ladies were named just two weeks ago from a pool of 31 finalists. Finalists were chosen from about 700 contestants who tried out in September. The Rose Queen and Royal Court were selected based on a combination of qualities, including public speaking ability, poise, academic achievement and community involvement.
Together, the Rose Queen and Royal Court will make as many as 100 media and community appearances over the next few months before reigning over the 126th Rose Parade presented by Honda themed “Inspiring Stories” on January 1, 2015. They also will attend the College Football Playoff Semifinal in the Rose Bowl, presented by Northwestern Mutual, following the parade.
