PORTLAND, Oregon — The Rose Festival has been a long standing Portland tradition stemming since 1907 with multiple festivities. This year the festivities commence Friday, May 26 and run through Sunday, June 11.The massive festival is put on by the nonprofit Portland Rose Festival Association, and includes three separate parades along with other festivities promoting the community within the Rose City.
The Rose Festival Court is made up of 15 students, historically all girls, selected from high schools across the Portland metro area. The program offers the students scholarships, mentorship, networking, volunteer and community outreach opportunities— all while promoting and carrying on the tradition of serving on the court.
This year court members will receive one-on-one mentorship with top women executives from the festival's presenting sponsor Unitus Community Credit Union, a $3,500 scholarship provided by The Randall Group valid for any accredited college, university or trade program, and a complete travel wardrobe including shoes and accessories.
Court applicants are interviewed by a panel of community judges and asked to provide a speech to their student body for voting. In addition to student body voting, the candidates are judged in the following areas: character, communication skills, presence and the school vote.
Princess announcements typically take place late February and early March.
Part of participating on the court includes a lot of traveling. Court members are expected to travel five days a week, visiting community events, business leaders, hospitals, senior living centers, youth organizations, civic groups and participating in the Rose Festival's parades and events.
These are the requirements to qualify to apply to be a Rose Festival Court princess:
- Identify as a female
- Attends an eligible high school in Multnomah, Washington or Clackamas county
- Be a on track senior gradating in the current school year or junior graduating the following year
- Have a minimum 2.75 to 3.0 GPA (preferably 3.0)
- Completed 20 hours minimum of community service
Here are the 2023 Rose Festival Court princesses:
Princess Audriana Ethridge is a senior representing Ida B. Wells High School and born in Portland. She plans on attending a 4-year university after she graduates high school in June and possibly pursuing a Masters/ post-graduate degree. She enjoys reading and trips to Powell's Bookstore. She was a varsity cheerleader both her sophomore and junior years. She participates in Key Club, Red Cross Club, and No Place for Hate at her school.
Princess MaryMer Kansou is a senior representing Roosevelt High School. MaryMer moved to Portland from Hawaii in 2018. She plans on attending the Oregon State University to study marine biology and physical therapy after she graduates high school this spring. She cares immensely about mental and self wellness. MaryMer loves sharing her culture with others and believes in the power of unity. She enjoys reading and trips to Powell's Bookstore. She has played various sports and participates in Roosevelts Pacific Islander club.
Princess Abi Crowe is a senior representing Franklin High School. She was born in Portland. She plans on attaining a bachelors of science from Oregon State University, University of Washington or California Polytechnic State University (San Luis Obispo). She enjoys running and has participated in the school's cross-country as well as track and field programs. She has held various leadership roles, enjoys creating art and exploring nature.
Princess M'Ryah Kelley is a senior representing Grant High School, and was born in Las Vegas, Nevada. She plans on attending a historically Black college or university and major in biology or kinesiology. She holds goals of becoming a physical therapist or athletic trainer. M'Ryah is an honor roll student and involved with the National Honor Society. She's also an active athlete on the varsity volleyball team, 2nd team all-league volleyball and Grant dance collective. She's active in her schools Black Student Union and holds an internship with Tappin' Roots. She loves anything and everything around music in addition to movie watching with her sister.
Princess Sierra Dedmon is a senior representing Central Catholic High School, and born in Portland. She plans on attending college and is exploring career options. She enjoys cheering and has participated in the school's varsity cheerleading program. She was awarded "Youth of the Year" for the metropolitan area in varsity cheerleading. Sierra loves spending time with friends and attending events at the Moda Center.
Princess Piper Winder is a senior representing Saint Mary's Academy and was born in Hunan, China. She plans on attending college to study electrical and computer engineering. Piper is involved on her school's varsity swim team and all girl robotics team, Beta Blues. She's been the co-leader of the Asian Pacific Islander Club. Piper enjoys spending time in nature, watching coding tutorials and baking.
Princess Elda "Nikkie" Hernandez is a senior representing David Douglas High School and born in Portland. She plans on attaining a bachelors degree from Portland State University in nursing. Nikkie plans on becoming a labor and delivery nurse. She enjoys painting, singing and has participated in the school's wrestling and softball teams. She values being an active leader at school and admiring the colorful roses at Peninsula Park Rose Garden during the summer.
Princess Lulu Kennybrew is a junior representing Benson Polytechnic High School and born in Chicago, Illinois. She plans on attending a historically Black college or university focusing in the healthcare profession. Lulu plans on working in psychology and mental health. She enjoys painting, dancing and has participated in the school's basketball and track and field teams. She holds a 4.0 GPA and is on track to be valedictorian. Lulu loves exploring downtown Portland in her free time.
Princess Jolynn Ta is a senior representing Parkrose High School and born in Portland. She plans on attending a 4-year college in Southern, California and double-majoring in film and television production and political science. Jolynn sees herself working at a non-profit or for a political campaign with her ultimate focus working within the film industry specifically as a tv showrunner. She's the founder and president of her school's Acts of Random Kindness Club and is also an Outdoor School student leader. Her hobbies include filmmaking, writing scripts, journaling and riding her bike. Jolynn enjoys going to Laurelhurst Park and taking in her surroundings.
Princess Alyssia Menezes is a senior representing Lincoln High School and born in Portland. She plans on attending college to study business management, data analytics, or international business. Alyssia is the president of Speech and Debate as well as the Stumptown Speaker Series and Business Club at her school. She is also the Girls Varsity Golf Captain and saxophone section leader of her school's band. She is passionate around advocating about mental wellness and enjoys riding her bike around waterfront with her family.
Princess Crystal Ramsey Roberts is a junior representing Jefferson High School and born in Portland. She plans on attending college for either nursing or business. She holds an interest in attaining her real estate license. Crystal received high honors her freshman and sophomore year and was the freshman class vice president. She currently holds a 4.0 GPA and enjoys baking with her grandmother and writing poems. Crystal's favorite place to visit is her adopted father's grave because it reminds her to do push herself to do her best and try her hardest.
Princess Lilly St. Martin is a senior representing Leodis V. McDaniel High School and was born in Vancouver, Washington. She plans on attending Portland State University to obtain her bachelor's degree as well as her masters. Lilly holds interests in working in public health and founded the Gay-Straight Alliance club. She also is involved in Varsity Golf, the Youth Action Council and SAFER club at her school. She's a manager and journalist for her school's newspaper, The Oracle. Lilly enjoys golfing at the Colwood Golf Course and attending the Starlight Parade.
Princess Emily Welch is a senior representing Cleveland High School and was born in San Francisco, California. She plans on attending college to study nursing while exploring other areas through a liberal arts program. Emily holds interests specifically around being a travel nurse or a pediatric nurse to work with kids. She is the president of the Red Cross Club at her school. She also a member of the National Honors Society and Key Club. Emily is active on the school swim team. soccer team, tennis team and cross country team. She enjoys music and takes both piano and guitar lessons. Sauvie Island is her favorite place to visit and enjoys attending the Grand Floral Parade.
Princess Elizabeth Tran is a junior representing Clackamas High School and was born in Happy Valley, Oregon. She plans on attending college to study law and holds interests in international relations or entertainment law. Elizabeth is involved in Speech and Debate, CommuniCare and the school's Multicultural Student Union. She enjoys singing, acting, organizing and watching both movies in addition to plays. The Japanese Garden is her favorite place to visit and she enjoys attending the Dragon Boat Race.
Princess Deja Fitzwater is a senior representing Tigard High School and was born in Portland. She plans on teaching high school agriculture to inner city students who might not have access to this information. Deja is involved in her school's theater, wrestling and lacrosse programs. She enjoys sports, reading, watching movies and ice skating. The Oregon's Children Museum is her favorite place to visit as well as the Veteran's Memorial Coliseum cheering on the Portland Winterhawks. Deja also enjoys attending the Rose Festival Parade and has attended since she was a young girl with her mother.
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