The 2017 Rose Queen was announced during a coronation ceremony at the Pasadena Playhouse in Pasadena on Thursday.
Victoria Cecilia Castellanos, a senior at Temple City High School, will reign over the 128th Rose Parade. Castellanos, 17, is involved in musical theater, volunteers with animal groups and the American Legion and enjoys creative endeavors like writing short stories, reading and painting.
The announcement came following multiple rounds of interviews involving six other finalists: Maya Kawaguchi Khan, of Arcadia High School; Natalie Rose Petrosian, of La Cañada High School; Audrey Mariam Cameron, of Blair High School; Autumn Marie Lundy, of Polytechnic School; Lauren Emiko Powers, of Arcadia High School;and Shannon Tracy Larsuel, of Mayfield Senior School.
The Rose Queen is decided based on a number of qualifications, including poise, personality, speaking ability, academic achievement and community involvement, according to the Tournament of Roses website.
Castellanos will preside over this year’s parade, themed “Echoes of Success,” and will attend the 103rd Rose Bowl Game on Jan. 2, 2017.
The Rose Queen is also expected to make more than 100 other media and community appearances throughout the year.
