Vanessa Natalie Manjarrez reigns as 95th Rose Queen® for the 2013 Tournament of Roses
The Pasadena Tournament of Roses® 2013 President, Sally Bixby, crowned the 95th Rose Queen®, Vanessa Manjarrez, today in an official Coronation ceremony presented by Citizens Business Bank at the Pasadena Convention Center and supported by Royal Court sponsors Macy*s and Mikimoto.
“Queen Vanessa and our six Rose Princesses are all outstanding young women and I’m proud to welcome them into the Tournament of Roses family,” said Tournament of Roses President Sally Bixby. “They are inspirational and articulate ambassadors of the Tournament and I know they will carry on the traditions of the Royal Court with poise and grace.”
The seven young ladies of the Royal Court also debuted the beautiful gowns provided by designer Tadashi Shoji and the dazzling crown and tiaras provided by Mikimoto.
“I’m so honored to be Rose Queen, and representing the Tournament of Roses has already been amazing,” said the newly crowned queen. “Now that we have these beautiful dresses and our crown and tiaras, the whole experience of being on the Royal Court is even more special.”
Rose Queen Vanessa Natalie Manjarrez, 17, lives in Pasadena and attends Mayfield Senior School, where she is on the Diversity Committee and Advising Council. She also participates in the Dance Conservatory and is involved with the National Charity League, the Pasadena Humane Society and Villa Esperanza. Vanessa is a Girl Scout Gold Award recipient. Since the age of four, Vanessa has participated in traditional Basque dancing and she is currently very involved with the Basque community in Chino, Calif., where she is part of the Gauden Bat dance group. When in college, she hopes to study business and science – stem cell research and genetics are among her specific interests. Her hobbies include traveling and volunteering. Vanessa’s parents are Maria Sarry and Armando Manjarrez.
As an official ambassador of the Tournament of Roses, Queen Vanessa will participate in more than 150 community and media functions along with Rose Princesses Kate Alice Benuska, 17, Maranatha High School; Tracy Italia Cresta, 17, La Salle High School; Victoria Sophia McGregor, 17, Flintridge Sacred Heart Academy; Nicole Cherie Nelam, 17, Pasadena High School; Sonia Marie Shenoi, 17, San Marino High School and Madison Michelle Barili Teodo, 18, La Canada High School.
