Vanessa Natalie Manjarrez reacts the moment her name is announced at the Tournament House Tuesday morning. -Photo by Terry Miller
The Pasadena Tournament of Roses named Vanessa Natalie Manjarrez as the 95th Rose Queen Tuesday morning. This announcement concludes a month-long process that began with more than 900 Pasadena-area young women who participated in the Tournament of Roses Royal Court tryouts. Queen Vanessa was selected from the recently appointed seven-member Royal Court. The Rose Queen and Royal Court will reign over the 2013 Tournament of Roses festivities, culminating in the 124th Rose Parade® presented by Honda and themed Oh, the Places You’ll Go!™, and the 99th Rose Bowl Game® presented by VIZIO.
“Our Rose Queen Vanessa Manjarrez and six Rose Princesses for 2013 are all outstanding young women who will represent the Tournament of Roses and the City of Pasadena with poise and confidence,” said Tournament of Roses President Sally Bixby. “They will be wonderful role models and I know they will inspire many young girls as they reign over the 124th Rose Parade and the 99th Rose Bowl Game.”
Queen Vanessa and the six Rose Princesses were selected based upon a combination of qualities, including public speaking ability, poise, academic achievement and community involvement. Upon their selection, they received a wardrobe and fitting from Macy*s including clothing, shoes and accessories, as well as hair and makeup styling from Amadeus Salon and Spa.
Earlier today, the seven young ladies of the Royal Court each received a pearl necklace from Mikimoto, provider of the stately crowns and tiaras. Queen Vanessa will officially receive her crown featuring more than 600 cultured pearls and six carats of diamonds from Tournament of Roses 2013 President Sally Bixby at the Coronation ceremony on October 25, at the Pasadena Convention Center.
Later today, Queen Vanessa and the six princesses also will be fitted for their formal gowns provided by Los Angeles fashion house, Tadashi. The gowns will be unveiled at the Coronation ceremony on October 25.
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. 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, 17, La Canada High School.