Pasadena Tournament of Roses Announces 2021 Rose Scholars and Awards $20,000 in Scholarships

The Pasadena Tournament of Roses Association has selected eight high school seniors as the 2021 Rose Scholars.

2021 Rose Scholars: (student bios HERE)

Ritaj Abdulla – Pasadena High School

Simone Kuo – John Marshall Fundamental High School

Cole Brown – John Marshall Fundamental High School

Oscar Damian Larios – Pasadena High School

Madeleine Chen – John Marshall Fundamental High School

Tia Reed – John Muir High School

Noah Griffin – John Muir High School

Florence Winslow – Rose City High School

Rose Scholars, presented by Citizens Business Bank, is a program designed to help students in our community thrive and to foster their potential. The program has awarded $20,000 in scholarships to eight graduating seniors from the Pasadena Unified School District (PUSD).

“Citizens Business Bank and The Pasadena Tournament of Roses Association have enjoyed a long-standing relationship, and we were honored to support and launch the 2021 Class of Rose Scholars. Education and opportunity are fundamental to the future of the communities that we serve, and we wish all the PUSD students who applied or were selected well in their future endeavors,” said David A. Brager, Chief Executive Officer of Citizens Business Bank.

As part of the application process, students were invited to submit a creative piece that reflected their future dreams, goals and aspirations. A one-page reflection describing their thoughts and feelings about the piece was also required, as well as still images of their work and a video recording describing their inspiration.

Instead of a minimum GPA requirement, applicants were asked to obtain a recommendation from a teacher, coach, counselor or community member.

“Congratulations to the 2021 Class of Rose Scholars! We appreciate the support that PUSD students receive from partners like Citizens Business Bank,” said PUSD Superintendent Brian McDonald. “As a former banker, I know firsthand the impact businesses have in the community when they support students. We’re also grateful for the continued relationship with our community partner, the Tournament of Roses. Their steadfast commitment to Pasadena, its people, and youth is a shining example of what we can do when we come together.”

Applications were reviewed and scored based on the structure of their art, the organization and language of their written reflection, and the recommendation from an educator, coach or community member. The review committee was comprised of Tournament of Roses members, staff and PUSD representatives.

“Working closely with PUSD teachers and administration, the goal was to make the scholarship as attainable as possible for all students, “said Dr. Bob Miller, President of the Pasadena Tournament of Roses Association. “The scholarship program included all PUSD high schools, inclusive of the district’s non-traditional high schools, and supports students that have overcome adversity and pave a way for their future.”

The Association and the Tournament of Roses Foundation are focused on positively impacting the Pasadena community with charitable giving, volunteerism, and community involvement.

As part of this work, the Association has partnered with Citizens Business Bank to launch Rose Scholars and other signature community programs.

About the Pasadena Tournament of Roses® and The Rose Parade® presented by Honda

The Tournament of Roses is a volunteer organization that hosts America’s New Year Celebration® with the Rose Parade® presented by Honda, the Rose Bowl Game® and a variety of accompanying events. The Association’s 935 volunteer members supply more than 80,000 hours of manpower, which will drive the success of 133rd Rose Parade, themed “Dream. Believe. Achieve.,” on Saturday, January 1, 2022, followed by the 108th Rose Bowl Game. For more information, visit www.tournamentofroses.com. Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.