Lux Preciado-Solis, a senior, (center) reacts as she was chosen as Lincoln's princess. To the right is Isabella Johnson, also a senior. (Photo courtesy of Portland Rose Festival)

Community judges have weighed in and schools have cast their votes for the 14 members of the 2018 Portland Rose Festival Court. Lincoln High School kicked off the court announcements Monday, March 5, and the crowning of Parkrose High’s princess completed the court on Thursday, March 22.



Each member of the court receives a $3,500 scholarship provided by The Randall Group.



The 2018 Portland Rose Festival queen will be named Saturday, June 9, chosen from among the 14 members of the court. Learn more about each of them below.

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Courtesy of the Portland Rose Festival

Parkrose High School

Parkrose High School crowned senior Kiara Johnson (center) as its 2018 Rose Festival Court princess during an assembly Thursday, March 22, at the school. Senior Gianella Velazquez (left) and junior Rebecca Benitez (right) were also candidates for the court.

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Courtesy of the Portland Rose Festival

Meet Parkrose's princess

The daughter of Stephanie and Brian Johnson, Kiara Johnson was born in Milwaukie and has four siblings. She plans to attend University of Oregon, Syracuse University or Washington State and pursue a career either as a veterinarian or a journalist.



More about Parkrose's princess, as told to the Portland Rose Festival:



High school activities and honors: Varsity Volleyball and Track & Field (Captain), Newspaper (Sports Editor), AVID, Mock Trial, We The People Constitution Team, Link Crew and Asian Youth Society.

Hobbies and special interests: Part-time job at the Shilo Inn Restaurant & Hotel (hostess, waitress and room service), regular drop-in dance classes at Vega Dance Lab, Club Volleyball and Drish Dance Crew at Hip Hop Soulsation Academy (original member), which competed at World of Dance



What is your favorite place to visit in Portland and why? The Saturday Market in downtown Portland and "Last Thursday" on Alberta Street. The lively vibe of artists and bands performing on sidewalks, with booths lining up and down streets, is something to look forward to every weekend from March until December. Last Thursday is full of food trucks of ethnic dishes that represent the diversity around the world just inside Portland.



What are you most proud of during your high school career? I am most proud of my time management, considering that I play two varsity sports, maintain a high GPA and keep my part-time job. I stay on top of athletics and academics by scheduling time to meet with teachers to get help in the morning, because I can't stay after school. Alongside this, I keep good communication with my managers so they know the days I can or cannot work. By having experience managing my time efficiently I feel well-prepared for life beyond high school.



What is your favorite Rose Festival event and why? My favorite Rose Festival event is CityFair. I enjoy going on the rides with friends and family alongside the waterfront on a warm summer day. The carnival experience is unlike anything else, with the delicious elephant ears, fun prizes and the huge swing that allows you to experience a birds'-eye view of our beautiful Portland. The opening fireworks spark the nearness of summer, and are always beautiful to watch.

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Photo courtesy of the Portland Rose Festival

Metro West

Westview High School junior Maya Bedge was crowned as the Metro West princess on the 2018 Rose Festival Court during a ceremony Wednesday, March 21, at Rose Villa's Performing Arts Center. The other Metro West candidates are all seniors: (from left) Alyssa Bui, Century High School; Claire Graves, Glencoe; and Mikaela Grove, Century.

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Courtesy of the Portland Rose Festival

Meet the Metro West princess

Born in Boise, Maya Bedge is the daughter of Sarita and Satish Bedge and sister of Sonya Bedge. She plans to attend a four-year university and double-major in economics and engineering. She's interested in managing a startup and running for political office.



More about Metro West's princess, as told to the Portland Rose Festival:



High school activities and honors: Westview Varsity Speech and Debate Team (Lab Leader), Oregon Model United Nations (State Board Member), Beaverton's Mayor's Youth Advisory Board (Co-Chair) and Grant Recipient for stroke-related research at OHSU.



Hobbies and special interests: She loves sharing her music and other skills with her community. She plays her harp at nursing homes and other community events. Additionally, she enjoys peer-tutoring students who are struggling academically at her school. Community service typically fills her extracurricular time.



What is your favorite place to visit in Portland and why? My favorite place in Portland is Mount Tabor. The duality of the environment — being in East Portland, yet being so secluded — makes it particularly appealing to me. I love walking to the top and looking west to downtown — it's breathtaking. The trails specifically around the water reservoir and the open green spaces make it a place I frequent when the weather dries up in the spring and summer.



What are you most proud of during your high school career? This November, I was given the incredible opportunity to meet Governor Brown in Salem as part of being a semi-finalist for Oregon's representative of the United States Senate Youth Program. I was able to talk to her personally about sexual harassment in politics and hear about how she believes politics must change to ensure government is a safe place for women.



What is your favorite Rose Festival event and why? The Starlight Parade is by far my favorite Rose Festival event. Sitting on the sidewalk of Broadway near Pioneer Square, surrounded by the warm summer night and watching the event has always been a highlight of my summer. Seeing and waving up at the princesses on the Rose Court inspired me to apply for this opportunity because I always looked up to and idolized those confident women as they passed by.

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Photo courtesy of the Portland Rose Festival

Metro East

West Linn High School junior Caitlin McCabe was crowned as the Metro East princess on the 2018 Rose Festival Court during a ceremony Wednesday, March 21, at Rose Villa's Performing Arts Center. The other Metro East candidates are all seniors (from left): Liliana Rekdahl, Gresham; Keely Fetters, Sam Barlow; and Audrey Bachman, Lakeridge,

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Courtesy of the Portland Rose Festival

Meet the Metro East princess

The daughter of Jean and John McCabe and sister of Conor, Caitlin McCabe was born in Portland and hopes to attend a four-year college and study chemical engineering.



More about the Metro East princess, as told to the Portland Rose Festival:



High school activities and honors: Varsity Track and Field, Youth Advisory Council, Star Wars Club, Speech and Debate Club, Model United Nations, Interact Club (President), National Honors Society, Tri-M Honors Society, Mock Trial, Chamber Orchestra, ISEF (International Science and Engineering Fair), Metropolitan Youth Citizenship Award and 'I Dare You' Leadership Award



Hobbies and special interests: Outside of school she's very active in 4-H, being a member of both the Clackamas County and Oregon State Ambassador teams and a Junior Superintendent for the county fair. She also enjoys sewing and in her little free time writes fiction, which she hopes to one day publish.



What is your favorite place to visit in Portland and why? I love visiting the Pearl District and walking down the streets, admiring the new and old houses intermingled and window shopping. The people in Portland are so friendly, and it's great to chat with people on the street or in shops. It also reminds me of my brother, a lover of food, and how we would spend hours waiting in line at Salt and Straw or other food places just to get a taste of Portland's amazing cuisine.



What are you most proud of during your high school career? As a high schooler, I've found countless friends through activities I have done and gained confidence in who I am and learned to overcome obstacles through hard work. This has taught me that it's okay to be yourself and that there'll always be people out there to accept you, even with your quirks.



What is your favorite Rose Festival event and why? My favorite event would have to be CityFair, because it draws people out from their homes and normal walks of life to join together in one large exuberant celebration of Portland and its people. Despite our differences, we can all still enjoy some fun and warm summer air together.

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Courtesy of the Portland Rose Festival

Benson High School

Mariamou Abdoulaye, a senior, was crowned as Benson High School’s princess on the 2018 Rose Festival Court during a school assembly Tuesday, March 20. Senior Falinda Tus (from left), junior Sarah Furness and senior Brittni Gordon were also candidates.

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Courtesy of the Portland Rose Festival

Meet Benson's princess

Born in the Central African Republic, Mariamou Abdoulaye is the daughter of Amina Adamou and Abdoulaye Saleh and has six siblings. She plans to attend Portland Community College and then pursue a medical degree and a career as a pediatric doctor.



More about Benson's princess, as told to the Portland Rose Festival:



High School Activities & Honors: Track and Field, Most Inspirational Award AVID, Young and Gifted Black Award, International Youth Leadership, Black Student Union and Fulani Language and Culture Club.



Hobbies and special interests: Modeling, dancing, community service and learning about her culture and others.



What is your favorite place to visit in Portland and why? My favorite place to visit is Portland State University because of its diversity and its learning environment. I also participated in Educational Talent Search at the Portland State University.



What are you most proud of during your high school career? I came to America in seventh grade and learned the language with no help — no one else speaks Fulani. As a sophomore, I graduated from the PISA (ELD) program and now as a Benson Student I am taking difficult medical classes.



What is your favorite Rose Festival event and why? Last year was the first year I was able to see the Rose Festival. I can't pick one specific event that is my favorite. I loved to see the American culture being represented by the entire event. This year I would love to blend my unique culture within the Rose Festival.

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Courtesy of the Portland Rose Festival

Cleveland High School

Sydney Toops, a senior, was crowned as Cleveland High School's 2018 Rose Festival Court princess during an assembly Monday, March 19, at the school. Elise Anderson (right) was also a candidate.

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Courtesy of the Portland Rose Festival

Meet Cleveland's princess

The daughter of Angie Toops, Sydney Toops was born in Portland and plans to attend Portland State and pursue a career as a special education teacher.



More about Sydney Toops, as told to the Portland Rose Festival:



High school activities and honors: Cleveland's Special Education classroom (Mentor), Football Team Staff, Wrestling Team (Head Stat Girl) and Verselandia (4th place)



Hobbies and special interests: Most of her spare time is filled with work. She works at Mt. Scott Community Center as a lifeguard and swim instructor. When she's not working she's volunteering with the Special Olympics as a coach.



What is your favorite place to visit in Portland and why? Crystal Ballroom is one of my favorite places in Portland. Every time I have been there I have created life memories. Whether it's going to a concert with my sister there or the dance with all of the Special Ed. classrooms in Portland, the Crystal Ballroom is a place where memories are created.



What are you most proud of during your high school career? I found what gives me a driving force in life. Not most people can say with all confidence that they know what they want to do by the age of 18. I know full heartily that I want to be a special education teacher for high schoolers who are the most impaired.



What is your favorite Rose Festival event and why? My favorite Rose Festival event is the Dragon Boat Races. I get to watch my mom race every year. I enjoy this event so much because I've never seen my mom so happy. I get to watch her do her favorite thing. Plus there are tons of people there and I love the atmosphere there. Everyone is happy to be there.

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Courtesy of the Portland Rose Festival

Wilson High School

Wilson High School crowned senior Anna Kien as its 2018 princess on the Portland Rose Festival Court during an assembly Thursday, March 15, at the school. Alex Morgan (center) and Lizzet Garcia-Garcia (right) were also candidates for the court.

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Courtesy of the Portland Rose Festival

Meet Wilson's princess

The daughter of Tung Kien and Chau Nguyen, Anna Kien was born in Portland and has one sibling. She plans to attend a university and major in a business-related field.



More about Anna Kien, as told to the Portland Rose Festival.



High School Activities & Honors: Student Government, Wilson's first Asian Pacific Islander Student Union (Founder), PPS District Student Council (Representative for Wilson), Asian American Youth Leadership Conference, Center for Women's Leadership Teen Council, Red Cross Club, Astronomy Club, Student Equity Advisory Board, Site Council, Outdoor School, Dragon Boats, National Honor Society and AP Scholars Award.



Hobbies and special interests: She loves exploring the world through travel, language, food and culture. She goes on numerous road trips every year, spent a summer exploring Southeast Asia, and is currently learning Spanish, Vietnamese and Korean.



What is your favorite place to visit in Portland and why? The waterfront is a Portland highlight that cannot be missed. From the cherry blossoms in the spring to the brightly colored leaves in the fall, there are many events that take place in the park, making it a central gathering destination for the Portland community. I share many fond memories with my friends and family along the river such as going to the Saturday Market, Shamrock Run, marches, festivals and many more.



What are you most proud of during your high school career? I am most proud of the young woman I have grown up to become since I started high school. As a freshman, I struggled with a lot of self-hate due to my different ethnicity and color of my skin. Through humiliation, rejection and finally acceptance, I have learned to love myself and take risks in doing the things I enjoy and strive to do. If it weren't for the courage and self-worth that I have built up, I would not be the optimistic person I am today.



What is your favorite Rose Festival event and why? Despite being an avid dragon boat paddler, the Grand Floral Parade would have to be my favorite Rose Festival Event. Seeing the diversity in faces among the crowds, the representation from different countries in the parade, the beautiful and meticulous details of the floats and the overall enjoyment and excitement of everyone keeps me smiling the whole time.

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Courtesy of the Portland Rose Festival

Franklin High School

Amaya Gustave, a junior, has been crowned Franklin High School's Rose Festival Court princess for 2018. Junior Cory Thompson (left) and senior Emma Freimark (right) were also candidates.

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Courtesy of the Portland Rose Festival

Meet Franklin's princess

The daughter of Rose Gustave, Franklin's princess Amaya Gustave was born in Portland and plans to attend a university and hopes to become a veterinarian.



More about Franklin's princess, as told to the Portland Rose Festival:



High School Activities & Honors: OSAC (Member), ASB (FHS Spirit Commissioner), Girls Inc Eureka! STEM program, Franklin Varsity Cheer team (Co-Captain), Black Student Union (Member), Youth for the Voiceless, National Honor Society, Advanced Scholar Program and FHS Poetry Slam (Participant).



Hobbies and special interests: In her free time she loves to re-watch episodes of "The Office," read novels and work out to relieve stress. She learned how to knit this year and can now make very fashionable headbands! She also enjoys finding new places to eat around Portland with her mom, as well as cooking at home by following recipes. She also cherishes the time she gets to spend with her friends and her dog Buddy who is always excited to see her.



What is your favorite place to visit in Portland and why? My mom and I are movie fanatics! One of my favorite places in Portland is the McMenamins Kennedy School. Not only does it have an interesting background as an elementary school before the 90s, it is such a fun place to go watch movies, order great food or spend time in the soaking pool. The atmosphere is so interesting and you can learn about the history of the Kennedy School while visiting.



What are you most proud of during your high school career? I'm most proud of being able to build a platform for myself and ask for help when I need it. I have been able to speak up for issues I believe in and educate myself even more on current events. I'm glad I've been able to really become one with my community and get involved, which caused me to meet more people and acquire new interests.



What is your favorite Rose Festival event and why? My favorite Rose Festival event is the Starlight Parade! My mom and I always make it a tradition to set up our chairs early and get out our snacks in order to see the beautiful floats, and really get a feel for our amazing community.

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Courtesy of the Portland Rose Festival

Madison High School

Stephanie Vo-Nguyen, a senior, was crowned as Madison High School's representative on the 2018 Portland Rose Festival Court during an assembly Tuesday, March 13. Senior Olivia Cooper (left) was also a candidate for the court.



The daughter of Kim Nguyen and Khanh Vo, Stephanie Vo-Nguyen was born in Portland and has three siblings. She plans to attend the University of Oregon and hopes to pursue a career in public policy with the American Civil Liberties Union of Oregon.

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Courtesy of the Portland Rose Festival

Meet Madison's princess

Stephanie Vo-Nguyen's activities and honors include Cheerleading, Madison Singers Choir, Chamber Choir and Student Athlete Honor Roll.



More about Madison's princess, as told to the Portland Rose Festival:



Hobbies and special interests: Her biggest hobby is music: She enjoys singing and playing instruments. She often spends her spare time strumming her ukulele and singing any song she can think of. She's spent 6 years involved in her middle school and high school music departments. Her love and appreciation for music and the arts has only grown from the time she has spent in her school bands and choirs.



What is your favorite place to visit in Portland and why? My favorite place to visit in Portland is the waterfront and Saturday Market. I'd describe myself as an extroverted, high-spirited girl, so any place with a lot of people and an equal amount of noise is attractive to me. I especially enjoy the various foods to try at Saturday Market, from Mexican corn to Middle Eastern meats. My mother used to work at the Market when I was younger so I spent a lot of my summers downtown with her, and I have a lot of enjoyable memories there.



What are you most proud of during your high school career? I was able to be a part of the PPS Student Advisory Council (SAC). In 2015, Portland Public Schools approved a resolution to have at least one ethnic studies class in PPS high schools by 2017. The SAC was created to ensure the presence of the student-voice in the implementation process. It has been incredibly rewarding to be a part of the journey in bringing equity to our classrooms.



What is your favorite Rose Festival event and why? I was incredibly lucky to be able to participate in the Junior Parade with my middle school band, and I had so much fun playing my clarinet and marching through the streets for the crowds. The Junior Parade is my favorite event because it gives children the opportunity to dress up, dance, paint their faces, grab their instruments, and most importantly, to be recognized as members of their communities.

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Courtesy of the Portland Rose Festival

Roosevelt High School

Madison Nieuwendorp (left), a senior, was crowned Roosevelt High School’s 2018 Rose Festival Court princess, during an assembly at the school Monday afternoon, March 12. The other candidates, left to right, were Ashlei Brady, a senior, Genevieve Brown, a junior, and Makenzie Espinoza, a junior.

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Courtesy of the Portland Rose Festival

Meet Roosevelt's princess

Madison Nieuwendorp, the daughter of Chad and Jenny Nieuwendorp, was born in Mbabane, Swaziland and has one brother. She plans to attend a university within the state of Oregon and pursue a career in education.

More about Roosevelt’s princess as told to the Portland Rose Festival:

High school activities and honors: National Honor Society, Advanced Scholars, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Jazz Band & Leadership and Honor Roll

Hobbies and special interests: When she is not spending time focusing on her schoolwork and activities, she volunteers and serves at University Park Baptist Church and Trout Creek Bible Camp. She also helps teachers and neighbors within her community. She participates in her local Rugby Oregon club team each spring and runs in various 5ks throughout the Portland area. Reading, crocheting and spending time with her family and friends also bring her great joy.

What is your favorite place to visit in Portland and why? St. John's Bridge in North Portland is my favorite place in Portland. Not only is the bridge beautifully built but it guides you into Forest Park, one of the largest urban parks in America. On a clear day, you can see Mount Hood, Mount St. Helens and Mount Adams all from the bridge.

What are you most proud of during your high school career? Throughout my high school career I have maintained a high GPA while balancing the pressures of life's demands and caring for those in my community. While I highly value school and education, I also place value on helping those around me. Despite the busy schedule of school, sports and a job, I have still been able to serve my neighbors and community through a variety of different venues.

What is your favorite Rose Festival event and why? The Grand Floral Parade is my favorite Rose Festival event because it brings the community together. What makes the parade so special is that it showcases the reality that we as a city can achieve great things together. Watching all the beautiful floats and talented groups go by celebrates and honors the unique and diverse community of Portland in a creative way.

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Courtesy of the Portland Rose Festival

David Douglas High School

Alanesia (Ally) Vang, a senior (left), was crowned David Douglas High School's 2018 Rose Festival Court princess during a school assembly Friday morning, March 9. The other candidates (from left) were seniors Alexandria Roley, Divine Muange and Kimberly Perez-Garcia.

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Courtesy of the Portland Rose Festival

Meet David Douglas' princess

The daughter of Arum and Xe Vang, Alanesia Vang was born in Missoula, Montana, and has five siblings. She plans to study medicine and hopes to become a pediatric oncologist.



More about David Douglas' princess as told to the Portland Rose Festival:



High school activities and honors: Key Club, Speech & Debate, Student Government (Freshman Co-President), Tennis & Varsity Volleyball (won JAAC championship), Health Science Academy (Residency Award), Health Club and National Honors Society



Hobbies and special interests: I'm usually occupied exploring Portland (which is a relatively new city to me), hiking and babysitting my four younger siblings during my spare time. I've already lived in Oregon for a little over a year, yet there is still so much Portland has to offer: delicious food, diverse markets and beautiful hiking trails.



What is your favorite place to visit in Portland and why? My favorite place to visit in Portland is Multnomah Falls. I've been there multiple times, taking hundreds of pictures, hiking and being a generic tourist. When I go there now I like to watch the people who come to these falls; the nature is their view, and the people are mine. They each bring their own story from many places that I hope to one day witness.



What are you most proud of during your high school career? I'm most proud of myself for overcoming my fear of never being able to discover my self-identity. My biggest achievement was overcoming the culture shock in Indonesia. The small hometown of Missoula where I was born is not one bit the same as the 12 million-populated city of Jakarta. I'm proud of myself for staying true to who I am, while still being able to make new friends and memories.



What is your favorite Rose Festival event and why? Rose Festival Fleet Week is my favorite event because it allows us as U.S. citizens to honor and appreciate the men and women who fight for our country. Aside from the significance of appreciation, Fleet Week also exhibits the progress our nation has come to as a united country. When looking at the U.S. Navy and the U.S. Coast Guard, men, women, Latinos, Asians and every other minority is represented in these troops. Fleet Week gives Portlandians an inspiration for everyday life to stand together and grow as one community.

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Courtesy of the Portland Rose Festival

St. Mary's Academy

Jennifer White will represent St. Mary's Academy on the 2018 Rose Festival Court. The senior was crowned princess by her predecessor, Lucy Sagoo (right), during an assembly Thursday at the school. Born in Portland, Jennifer White is the daughter of Annie and Rollie White and the sister of Julia.



Jennifer White plans to attend a university or college next year. Her top choice is Scripps College.



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Courtesy of the Portland Rose Festival

Meet St. Mary's Academy's princess

Jennifer White's high school activities include St. Mary's Dance Company (Team Captain), Novel Club (Club Leader), Student Ambassador and Blues On Tour Representative, Member of Model United Nations (recognized 2017 as Best Consensus Builder), Member of Rose Choir and Member of National Honors Society (St. Catherine of Sienna Chapter).



More about St. Mary's Academy's Jennifer White, as told to the Portland Rose Festival.



Hobbies and special interests: Last summer, she acted in a local feature film called My Summer as a Goth. She also contributed to Laika Studios' The Boxtrolls as a dancer in the ballroom scene. Prior to that, she performed for years in Oregon Ballet Theatre's The Nutcracker. She works 10-15 hours a week at a coffee shop, and also babysits, walk dogs and waters plants for community members.



What is your favorite place to visit in Portland and why? My favorite place in Portland is Ross Island. Nestled between the South Waterfront and the Sellwood Bridge, the island is a perfect place to enjoy the sunset with family. While I love downtown Portland, Ross Island is a small pocket of nature where I can relax and also see a fantastic city view.



What are you most proud of during your high school career? During Model UN in the spring of 2017, I represented Senegal on the Health and Human Services Committee. Nearing the end of the conference I was awarded Best Consensus Builder and was very proud of how vocal I'd been and how much confidence I'd developed in my public speaking and my critical thinking.



What is your favorite Rose Festival event and why? While it is not an official event, as a Laurelhurst Elementary and Middle School graduate, I'll always cherish my memories of the school's Rose Competition, meeting the Rose Festival Court and singing 'What a Wonderful World' with all my fellow students. Each year I found the entire experience to be moving and powerful. I still have my ribbon from the year my rose won the miniature rose category.

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Courtesy of the Portland Rose Festival

Grant High School

Grant High School named senior Melissa Torres-Duran as its 2018 Rose Festival Court princess during an assembly Wednesday morning on the Marshall High campus. Jada Manns-Wadsworth, a junior, was also a candidate for the court.

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Courtesy of the Portland Rose Festival

Meet Grant's princess

The daughter of Javier Torres Ramirez and Lourdes Duran Mejia, Melissa Torres-Duran plans to attend the University of Oregon in the fall and major in political science. Born in Portland, she is the sister of Sandy Torres-Duran.



More about Grant's princess, as told to the Portland Rose Festival:



High school activities and honors: Movimiento Estudiantil Chicano de Aztlán (MECHA - President), Self Enhancement, Inc. (SEI - Member), Young Life Organization, "Student of the Month" award recipient, Grant and SEI honor rolls



Hobbies and special interests: She enjoys being outdoors with friends and exploring the many hiking trails of Oregon, such as Angel's Rest in the Columbia River Gorge. She has gained volunteer and leadership experience through the Young Life Organization. Young Life is a Christian youth group organization that she has attended every Monday night for the past four years. Through Young Life, she has also had the opportunity to be a care provider for children of various ages.



What is your favorite place to visit in Portland and why? There is plenty to do in the City of Roses. Born and raised in Portland, I grew up on the north side of town and I always found myself heading down to the waterfront on a hot summer day with friends. The waterfront gives the perfect view of Portland and serves as a place to refresh in the summer. I have plenty of memories of bike rides along the waterfront during the summer that I will cherish forever.



What are you most proud of during your high school career? I am most proud of my academic success throughout high school. I have been dedicated and hardworking in order to achieve honors and stand in the top 15 percent of my class rank. I have done all of this while being a student athlete, participating in extracurricular activities and working with children after school. There have been circumstances where I became overwhelmed with the busy daily schedule, but I learned to manage my time wisely and stay on top of my academics.



What is your favorite Rose Festival event and why? My favorite Rose Festival event is the Junior Parade. I attended Beaumont Middle School and was a part of the cheerleading team, which participated in the parade every year. The parade occurs towards the end of the school year and it was an indication that summer vacation was just around the corner. The Junior Parade is a time for the community to gather and celebrate the children of Portland.

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Courtesy of Portland Rose Festival

Jefferson High School

Kash'Imani Thomas, a senior, has been chosen to represent Jefferson High School on the 2018 Rose Festival Court. Senior Teriana Yeggins (left) was also a candidate. The two were honored during an assembly Tuesday, March 6, at the school.

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Courtesy of Portland Rose Festival

Meet Jefferson's princess

Born in Portland, Kash'Imani Thomas is the daughter of Barnia Moody and Tanisha Floyd. She plans to attend a four-year university to study social work and one day become a clinical social worker. She has three siblings: Isa-lmani, India and Sunteaohna.



More about Jefferson's princess, as told to the Portland Rose Festival:



High School Activities & Honors: Women's Empowerment Club, co-president; Self Enhancement, Inc. member; National Honor Society, President; Health Science Biotechnology program and PCC



Hobbies and special interests: She fills her spare time working to help support her family, or doing volunteer babysitting to help out neighbors. She loves spending time with children and helping them to learn and grow.



What is your favorite place to visit in Portland and why? I love North Portland. Growing up in New Columbia I always had friends close to me and I could feel safe in the neighborhood. Everyone was friendly to one another and on a hot summer day you could find friends and family alike at McCoy Park enjoying the summer festivities.



What are you most proud of during your high school career? The one thing I'm most proud of from my high school career is being on the honor roll all four years.



What is your favorite Rose Festival event and why? My favorite Rose Festival event is the Grand Floral Parade. I love the variety of talents that are showcased during the parade. I always get to meet new people while watching the parade each year. My aunts would always go early in the morning to get us the perfect spot to watch the parade, and my mornings were filled with helping gather snacks and all of the materials we would need to 'survive' the day.

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Courtesy of the Portland Rose Festival

Lincoln High School

Lincoln High School has named senior Lux Preciado-Solis (right) as its 2018 Rose Festival Court princess. Isabella Johnson, senior, was also a candidate to represent Lincoln on the court.

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Courtesy of the Portland Rose Festival

Meet Lincoln's princess

The daughter of Julie Preciado and Jesus Solis, Lux Preciado-Solis was born in Portland and plans to attend a university and study math and ethnic studies. Eventually, she hopes to work in either education or nonprofit management.



More about Lincoln High School's princess, as told to the Portland Rose Festival:



High school activities and honors: National Hispanic Scholar, Lincoln High School Math Club and Theater Department



Hobbies and special interests: In her free time she likes to cook, participate in theater, enjoy music and spend time with her family and friends.



What is your favorite place to visit in Portland and why? My favorite place to be in Portland is definitely the Willamette River. I can't reveal my secret spots, but really anywhere with some good sun is great. It brings so many different types of people together! From the Blues Fest to the docks to the Big Float -- I feel it's the beating heart of Portland.



What are you most proud of during your high school career? I am most proud of helping organize and plan the 2017 Oregon, Action, Leadership and Service Summit for girls with the Center for Women's Leadership at PSU. We had over 300 girls from all over the state come to see speakers such as Kim Malek and Kate Brown. I had so much fun doing everything from being a panel moderator to calling every balloon shop in town. I can't wait to be a part of it this year as well.



What is your favorite Rose Festival event and why? My favorite Rose Festival event is the Starlight Parade. I love seeing the fun light displays each group will have, and families lined up to watch them. I especially like watching the student marching bands and always make sure to watch out for Lincoln!

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The 2018 queen's coronation

The 2018 Portland Rose Festival Queen will be crowned Saturday, June 9, before the Spirit Mountain Casino Grand Floral Parade. For tickets to the Queen's Coronation at Veterans Memorial Coliseum, visit RoseFestival.org or call 800-745-3000.

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A Portland tradition

The annual coronation of the Rose Festival Queen is a tradition that’s been going strong since 1908, when Carrie Lee Chamberlain became the first queen. In the festival’s early years, being queen was a Big Deal, reserved for the “elite” – Queen Flora, as Carrie Lee was dubbed, was the governor’s daughter.

Look back at queens and princesses, then and now

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The Oregonian files

Voting for the queen

The first queen to be "elected" was Thelma Williams, chosen in 1914. Votes could be purchased, 10 for a penny, as a fundraiser for the festival.