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Seven Princesses Begin Their Reign as the 2009 Royal Court for the Pasadena Tournament of Roses

The seven Rose Princesses are:

Mary Gaule (#41), 17, Flintridge Sacred Heart Academy;

Jasmine Jenkins (#799), 17, La Salle High School;

Courtney Lee (#929), 17, Arcadia High School;

Bridget McDonald (#714), 18, Pasadena City College;

Molly Novell (#224), 18, La Salle High School;

Lauren Valenzuela (#385), 17, Arcadia High School;

Quinn Young (#337), 16, La Canada High School.

The announcement follows a three-week-long process in which more than 1,100Pasadena-area young women participated. Selections were based on a range of qualities including public speaking ability, poise, academic achievement, community involvement and personality.

"Selecting the Royal Court from our 34 finalists was a very difficult task as they are all extremely talented and personable young women. We are very pleased with our final choice and officially welcome the Royal Court members who will be representing the Pasadena Tournament of Roses this year. They are truly remarkable and will be wonderful ambassadors for our Rose Parade and Rose Bowl Game," said Thomas Willis, Chair of the Queen and Court Committee.

Mary Elizabeth Gaule, 17, is anAltadena resident and a senior at Flintridge Sacred Heart Academy. She is a member of her school's senior dance company and a co-captain of the St. Francis High School Varsity Cheer Squad. She is also a member of her school's LIFE (Living in Faith Experience) team, in which she helps to plan and lead all school retreats. Mary is interested in studying psychology and law at either of her top two college choices, Villanova or UCLA. Her parents are John and Ellen Gaule. She has one sibling, Joseph, 14.

Jasmine Janae Jenkins, 17, is a senior at La Salle High School and resides inPasadena. She is a member of Phi Alpha Chi and volunteers with numerous organizations including Reading Leaders, which works to advance children's reading skills, and the LA Food Bank, where she prepares meals for the homeless. She also enjoys poetry, dance and collecting coins. Jasmine hopes to attend either Loyola Marymount University or Spelman College to major in child psychology, and she hopes to one day work with disadvantaged children. Her parents are Michael and Renee Jenkins. She has one sibling, Jade, 15.

Courtney Chou Lee, 17, is anArcadia resident and attends Arcadia High School. She serves as captain of her school's varsity volleyball team, president of the Arcadia High Senior Men and Women group, and is a committee member of the Methodist Hospital Foundation. Courtney also dedicates her time as a Girl Scout and founded the youth philanthropy group, Teens Promoting Stroke Awareness. She hopes to study business and history at the University of Southern California. She enjoys many forms of dance, including traditional Chinese dancing, jazz and hip hop, and attending USC home football games. Her parents are Andrew and Ulanda Lee. She has two siblings, Kristen, 19, and Preston, 15.

Bridget Kathleen McDonald, 18, is currently a freshman at Pasadena City College and has been a resident ofPasadena all her life. She attended the Westridge School for Girls for high school. She studies Environmental Studies and will be transferring to the University of Southern California in the fall of 2009. Bridget is an active volunteer for the Pasadena Humane Society, where she helps with fundraising and the care of animals. She played varsity tennis the first three years of high school and was the varsity team captain her senior year. She also enjoys photography, cooking and playing the piano. Her parents are Richard and Rosemary McDonald. She has one sibling, Katie, 15.

Mary "Molly" Patricia Novell, 18, resides inSierra Madre and is a senior at La Salle High School. She is the president of her high school's Interact service group and is a member of numerous other service groups in addition to her participation on both the water polo and swim teams. Outside of school, Molly enjoys spending her time with her friends and family, doing community service and playing sports. She hopes to study journalism in college. Her parents are Mark and Kathy Novell. She has two siblings, Kaitlin, 21, and Michael, 15.

Lauren Nicole Valenzuela, 17, is aTemple City resident and a senior at Arcadia High School. She is a member of the Orchesis Dance Company and participates in a charity dance show every year. She also made an appearance in last year's Rose Parade as a dancer. Lauren enjoys dancing, cooking and going to concerts, musicals and the beach. She plans on transferring to a four-year university after attending Pasadena City College, where she hopes to attain a degree in business. Her mother is Patricia Valenzuela. She has two siblings, Stephanie, 24, and Ryan, 22.

Quinn Olivia Young, 16, is a senior at La Canada High School and resides in La Canada. She is a member of the National Honor Society and the Varsity Song Squad at her high school. Her hobbies include mosaic tile work, dancing, calligraphy, fashion illustration and traveling. Quinn recently spent a month inFrance to participate in a language immersion program. She hopes to attend USC, Vanderbilt or Boston College to study business or communications and pursue a career in the fashion industry. Her parents are Eugene and Kelly Young. She has one sibling, Willa, 14.

The 2009 Rose Queen(R) will be announced at Tournament House on Tuesday, October 21 at 9:30 a.m. The newly selected Rose Queen and Royal Court will reign for an entire year until the new court is selected in October of 2009.

The 120th Rose Parade themed "Hats Off to Entertainment" will take place Thursday, Jan. 1, 2009 at 8 a.m. (PST) featuring majestic floral floats, high-stepping equestrian units and spirited marching bands showcasing the best in entertainment. Following the Rose Parade, at 2 p.m. (PST), the 95th Rose Bowl Game will feature an exciting match-up between two championship teams, once again showcasing the best of collegiate football.

For additional information on Tournament of Roses please visit the official website at http://www.tournamentofroses.com.

     CONTACT:  PASADENA TOURNAMENT      HILL AND KNOWLTON, INC.
               OF ROSES ASSOCIATION     Carolyn Hamachian
               Caryn Eaves or           (949) 223-2301
               Vanessa Flores
               (626) 449-4100

SOURCE Tournament of Roses