Arcadia Teen Formally Crowned as 92nd Rose Queen
Rose Court Coronation Ceremony Held Wednesday at Pasadena Convention Center
2010 Rose Queen, Natalie Innocenzi was crowned Wednesday afternoon in an elaborate ceremony at the Pasadena Convention Center hosted by the Pasadena Tournament of Roses. The newly crowned Queen received her crown from Dominic DiSano, the son of the recently deceased President of the 121st Rose Parade, Gary DiSano.
The 16-year-old Arcadia resident and student at Flintridge Sacred Heart Academy, was selected by the Tournament of Roses as the 92nd Rose Queen two weeks ago from among seven Rose Princesses, or finalists.
Photos by Terry Miller
Queen Natalie and the six Rose Princesses were selected based upon a combination of qualities, including public speaking ability, poise, academic achievement and community involvement.
“2010 Rose Queen Natalie Innocenzi and our six princesses are perfect ambassadors for the Tournament of Roses, and the city of Pasadena. They are talented, graceful and stellar examples of what it is to be A Cut Above the Rest,” said Tournament of Roses Acting President Jeff Throop. “We are delighted to have Queen Natalie lead our court and reign over the 121st Rose Parade and 96th Rose Bowl Game.”
Speaking with the Pasadena Independent after being selected as one of the seven finalists, Innocenzi said she was humbled by her selection.
“I hope to show that everyone can make a difference. It only takes one person to make a change and I would like to help others realize that they can be that change.” Said Innocenzi.
“If I was to be selected as Rose Queen, that would be an incredible honor, but I believe that everyone on the court is qualified for the job.”
Well Natalie did become the 92nd Rose Queen – selected out of 1100 young women who tried out for the time-honored tradition.
Queen Natalie is a senior at Flintridge Sacred Heart Academy where she is on the junior varsity tennis team and participates in track and field. She is also a member of the Amnesty International Club and, as a member of the board for the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America Teens, Natalie started an Alzheimer’s Awareness week at her school.
Innocenzi has lived in the Pasadena-area her entire life and plans to stay in California for college where she’ll study occupational or physical therapy with an emphasis in gerontology. Her parents are Robert and Jeannette Innocenzi. She has one sibling, Kevin, 14.
As an official ambassador of the Tournament of Roses, Queen Natalie will participate in approximately 150 community and media functions along with Rose Princesses Katherine Margarita Hernández, 18, Flintridge Sacred Heart Academy; June Ko, 17, Arcadia High School; Lauren Samantha Rogers, 17, Blair High School; Kinsey Elizabeth Stuart, 18, Pasadena City College; Ashley Renee Thaxton, 17, John Marshall Fundamental High School; Michelle Louise Van Wyk, 17, La Canada High School.
The 121st Rose Parade will take place on Friday, January 1, 2010 at 8:00 a.m. (PST) featuring spirited marching bands from throughout the nation, majestic floral floats, and high-stepping equestrian units.