Tournament of Roses named Erika Karen Winter as the 98th Rose Queen in an official ceremony at the Pasadena Convention Center. Presented by Citizens Business Bank, the announcement concluded a month-long process that began with more than 900 Pasadena-area young women who participated in the Royal Court tryouts. Rose Queen Erika and the Royal Court will make as many as 100 community and media appearances, culminating with the 127th Rose Parade presented by Honda and the 102nd Rose Bowl Game® presented by Northwestern Mutual on New Year’s Day.

“Leading up to America’s New Year Celebration®, Rose Queen Erika Karen Winter and the six Rose Princesses will serve as ambassadors for the Tournament of Roses and the City of Pasadena,” said Tournament of Roses President Mike Matthiessen, who presented the crown to the queen. “Rose Queen Erika and each member of the Royal Court have embarked on an exciting adventure and we are eager for them to encourage others to find their adventure throughout the community.”

The Rose Queen and Royal Court were selected based upon a combination of qualities, including public speaking ability, poise, academic achievement and community involvement. During the coronation ceremony, Matthiessen presented Rose Queen Erika with a Mikimoto crown featuring more than 600 cultured pearls and six carats of diamonds. Prior to the public event, all members of the Royal Court received a pearl necklace from Mikimoto.

Winter, 17, is a senior at Flintridge Preparatory School and lives in Pasadena. She is part of the cheer and dance team, student senate and is a middle school commissioner. She is the president of the Hip Hop Club and Craft Club. She serves as a peer counselor and a volunteer instructor for autistic dance classes and captured the lead role in her school’s spring musical. Winter is the daughter of Tim and Kristine Winter.

The Rose Princesses are Bryce Marie Bakewell, 17, Flintridge Sacred Heart Academy; Natalie Breanne Hernandez-Barber, 17, Alverno High School; Rachelle Chacal Renee Liu, 17, San Marino High School; Donaly Elizabeth Marquez, 17, Blair High School; Regina Marché Pullens, 17, Maranatha High School; and Sarah Sumiko Shaklan, 17, La Cañada High School.