The Tournament of Roses® Announces 2012 Rose Queen® Drew Washington

PASADENA, Calif., Oct. 18, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- The Pasadena Tournament of Roses named Drew Helen Washington as the 94th Rose Queen today.  This announcement concludes a month-long process that began with approximately 1,000 Pasadena-area young women who participated in the Tournament of Roses Royal Court tryouts.  Queen Drew was selected from the recently appointed seven-member Royal Court.  The Rose Queen and Royal Court will reign over the 2012 Tournament of Roses festivities, culminating in the 123rd Rose Parade® presented by Honda and themed Just Imagine..., and the 98th Rose Bowl Game® presented by VIZIO.

(Photo:  http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20111018/LA88937)

"2012 Rose Queen Drew Washington and our six princesses are perfect ambassadors for the Tournament of Roses and the city of Pasadena," said Tournament of Roses 2012 President Rick Jackson. "They are talented, graceful and stellar role models who will inspire many young girls. We are delighted to have Queen Drew lead our court and reign over the 123rd Rose Parade and 98th Rose Bowl Game."

Queen Drew 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 full 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 Drew will officially receive her crown featuring more than 600 cultured pearls and six carats of diamonds from Tournament of Roses 2012 President Rick Jackson at the Coronation ceremony on October 27, at the Pasadena Convention Center.

Later today, Queen Drew and the six princesses will each also be fitted for their formal gowns provided by Los Angeles fashion house, Tadashi. The gowns will be unveiled at the Coronation ceremony on October 27.

Rose Queen Drew Helen Washington, 16, lives in Pasadena and attends Flintridge Sacred Heart Academy. She is captain of her school's varsity volleyball and varsity track and field teams. She is active in the Student Ambassador Club, SADD (Students Against Destructive Decisions), the Multi-cultural Club and the Latin Club. Drew is a member of her school's National Honor Society, the California Scholarship Federation and Mu Alpha Theta, the honors math club. Over the summer she served as a camp volleyball coach.  She plans to pursue a career in marketing or public relations. In her free time, she enjoys going to the movies, running, playing volleyball and spending time with her friends. Her parents are Craig and Lorie Washington.

As an official ambassador of the Tournament of Roses, Queen Drew will participate in more than 150 community and media functions along with Rose Princesses Morgan Eliza Devaud (#350), 18, La Canada High School; Stephanie Grace Hynes (#330), 18, Maranatha High School; Cynthia Megan Louie (#858), 17, La Salle High School; Kimberly Victoria Ostiller (#8), 17, Flintridge Preparatory School; Hanan Bulto Worku (#458), 17, Pasadena High School and Sarah Nicole Zuno (#455), 17, Benjamin Franklin High School.

About the Pasadena Tournament of Roses®

The Pasadena Tournament of Roses is a volunteer organization that annually hosts the Rose Parade® presented by Honda, Rose Bowl Game® presented by VIZIO and various associated events. The 123rd Rose Parade presented by Honda, themed Just Imagine, will take place Monday, Jan. 2, 2012, at 8 a.m. (PST) featuring majestic floral floats, high-stepping equestrian units and spirited marching bands. Following the parade, the 98th Rose Bowl Game presented by VIZIO will kick off at 2:10 p.m. and feature an exciting match-up between two of the top collegiate football teams in the nation.  For additional information on the Tournament of Roses please visit the official website at www.tournamentofroses.com.

CONTACT:  PASADENA TOURNAMENT
OF ROSES ASSOCIATION
Caryn Eaves or Vanessa Flores
(626) 449-4100

HILL & KNOWLTON, INC.
David Gordon or Shelcie Takenouchi
(949) 223-2314 or (949) 223-2326

SOURCE Pasadena Tournament of Roses