New life ahead for Ana Marie Acosta as Tournament of Roses Queen - Examiner.com

Life-changing events often begin with that phrase, “The envelope, please.” One young woman’s life changed on Thursday evening at the announcement and coronation of the 96th Rose Queen ^[1] . Tournament of Roses president R. Scott Jenkins opened the envelope and read, “Ana!”

Cheers went up from her family and friends. The six Rose Princesses huddled around her to bestow hugs and good wishes. And with that, Ana Marie Acosta ^[2] , an Altadenan who attends the prestigious Polytechnic School in Pasadena, embarked on what will be a journey few have taken before her when she and her Court reign over the 125th Rose Parade ^[3] and 100th Rose Bowl Game. It is rarefied company.

As Jenkins said to the seven girls right before the announcement, “Enjoy this run, it goes by very quickly, but the memories will last a lifetime.” The Court wore red formal gowns with lace bodices designed by Tadashi Shoji, and their fathers wore black suits with satin lapels, black shirts, and red ties and vests.

With only a minute or two to ask questions after Ana received her crown and took the Rose Queen Oath, reporters crowded around. She told us that the past two weeks had been filled with training, including facts, handling the media, and etiquette for the entire court. “I know all the girls on the court so well,” Ana said.

But she still needs help baking a cake. A self-proclaimed foodie, Ana told Pereira, “but I can’t cook for the life of me.” Dot Cannon of Lancer Radio asked what her biggest cooking disaster was. “I ruin cakes all the time!” she laughed. And her favorite food? It’s between filet mignon and a Big Mac, she responded.

Ana is the first young woman in years from Poly to serve on the Royal Court. Her schoolmates had told her that “they usually don’t pick a Poly girl,” but she related, “My friends have been very supportive and so is the school.”

CNN anchorwoman Michaela Pereira, who just a few months ago was a favorite of Los Angeles’ KTLA Morning News, emceed the ceremony and spoke with each girl. “I’m so glad to be here for the Royal Court coronation,” she said. She gave two reasons: one was New York’s cold weather, and the other was that Pasadena had been her home for nine years.

Riffing on the Rose Parade theme “Dreams Come True,” she said, “This is a dream is coming true for these seven young ladies.”

The story is in the pictures, so click through the attached slideshow and read the captions to get to know each one of these young ladies better.

The six young women who make up Queen Ana’s Royal court are

Rose Princess Jamie Ann Kwon ^[4] , 17, La Salle High School

Rose Princess Sarah Elizabeth Hansen ^[5] , 19, Pasadena City College

Rose Princess Katherine Diane Lipp ^[6] , 17, La Cañada High School

Rose Princess Elyssia Hadi Widjaja ^[7] , 17, San Marino High School

Rose Princess Elizabeth Katie Woolf ^[8] , 17, La Cañada High School

Rose Princess Kayla Diyana Johnson-Granberry ^[9] , 17, Pasadena High School

For more about the coronation, read “Ana Marie Acosta of Polytechnic School is the 2014 Rose Parade Queen” and “Changing traditions: Announcement and coronation of 96th Rose Queen at PazNaz.”^[10] ^[11]

The theme of the 125th Rose Parade and 100th Rose Bowl Game on Jan. 1, 2014 is “Dreams Come True.” The Tournament of Roses is a celebration that lasts several weeks in the fall and winter. Like All Things Rose Parade on Facebook or subscribe to Tournament of Roses Examiner by clicking the "Subscribe" link for the latest news and for upcoming announcements. If you have a question or would like a reply to your comment, please post on Facebook or email me at lbmonteros@yahoo.com ^[12] ^[13] ^[14]