2026 Rose Festival Court Application

Thank you for your interest in the Rose Festival Court!

Please review and complete the form below to begin the application process to join the 2026 Rose Festival Court.

The mission of the Rose Festival Court program is to provide scholarships for higher education, to promote community outreach and volunteerism, to offer networking and mentorship opportunities to outstanding young women in a program that perpetuates an appreciation for Rose Festival history and tradition.

All application materials are due by Tuesday, January 20, 2026.

Additional application materials and more information can be found on the Rose Festival Court page.

APPLICATION ELEMENTS

This form is your first step toward becoming a member of the Rose Festival Court!

In addition to completing this online form, you must submit three (3) additional documents in order to apply:

School Acknowledgement - to be completed by your high school Principal or their designee.
Official High School Transcript - to be emailed directly to the Rose Festival from your school registrar.
Online Recommendation Form - to be completed by a teacher, coach, or work supervisor.

All additional elements, along with other useful information and updates, can be found on the Rose Festival Court Program page.

It is the applicant's responsibility to ensure all elements of the application are submitted by the deadline on Tuesday, January 20, 2026. You are welcome to email haleyl@rosefestival.org for an update from the Portland Rose Festival Office on the status of your application at any time.

Please note that any information you submit as a part of this application may be shared with the judges, the media, and/or the public.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

Before continuing with the application, please confirm that you meet the following eligibility criteria:
All applicants must:

Identify as female
Attend an eligible 4A, 5A or 6A high school in Multnomah, Washington or Clackamas Counties
Be a senior graduating in 2026 or junior on track to graduate in 2027
Have a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA (Applicants with GPA between 2.75 and 3.0 with exigent circumstances may still be eligible; but must complete and submit a variance request from in addition to this application.)
Have completed a minimum 20 hours of community service during high school
Applicants are highly encouraged to attend Court Q&A Information session prior to the application deadline. Sessions will be conducted via Zoom.

Applicants must also agree to:

Submit a complete application, recommendation form, transcript and school acknowledgement form by the deadline: Tuesday, January 20, 2026
Attend one mandatory Orientation session prior to judging. Orientations will be offered on January 28 and February 3 via Zoom.
Participate in the Community Interview process: February 21, 2026.
Participate in your school’s Rose Festival Court Announcement (or special Metro East & West Announcement)

JUDGING

A panel of community judges will interview each qualified applicant during the Community Interview process on February 21, 2026.
All applicants are judged on the following attributes:

Character (50%)–Participates in school, community, and other activities, demonstrates good citizenship, shows a desire to help others
Communication Skills (25%) –Clear and articulate speech, animated and expressive storytelling, good grammar and eye contact
Presence (25%)–Composed under pressure, adaptable to new situations, enthusiastic and engaged

The school vote (at a traditional school) will make up 50% of the final score. The remaining 50% is from our panel of community judges. For Metro East/West positions, 100% of the score is from the community judges.

Let's Get Started!

First Name

Last Name

Email Address

Sign me up for email updates

Applicant Contact Information

What is your First Name?

As listed on your transcript

What is your middle name? (if applicable)

What is your Last Name?

As listed on your transcript

What is your preferred first name or nickname?

This is the name you use on a daily basis!

Address Line 1

Address Line 2

City

State

Postal Code

Phone Number

Cell phone where you can be reached directly

Parent/Guardian Information

Parent/Guardian Primary - Contact Info

First and Last Name

Email Address

Phone Number

Parent/Guardian Secondary -
Contact Info (if applicable)

First and Last Name

Email Address

Phone Number

Education Information

What high school do you currently attend?

Please list the complete name of your school

When do you expect to graduate?

(Include specific date if known, or Month & Year)

What are your higher education plans?

What career plans are you considering?

What is your current unweighted GPA?

Above 3.0
Between 2.75 and 3.0
Below 2.75

Above 3.0

Between 2.75 and 3.0

Below 2.75

If your GPA is below 3.0 but above 2.75, you must complete and submit the variance request form. Forms can be found on the Rose Festival Court page.

Applicants with a GPA below 2.75, as provided by your school, are not eligible to apply.

Biography Form

This section will give you a chance to tell us what makes you unique and why you want to be a part of the Rose Festival Court program.

Date of Birth

What is the city of your birth?

Past Princesses have been born all over the world!

Why do you want to represent your school and community as a member of the 2026 Rose Festival Court?

(Please answer in 100 words or less)

In your spare time, what hobbies, special interests or activities do you engage in?

What is your favorite place to visit in Portland, and why?

Please list any school related activities, awards, or recognition.

What are you most proud of during your high school career to date?

What is your favorite Rose Festival event, and why?

Volunteer Service

Please record a minimum of 20 hours of volunteer service performed during your high school career.

You may use this form to list up to three different organizations. If you have additional organizations, please email a list to haleyl@rosefestival.org with the subject "Court Service Hours - Your Name".

Volunteer Service - Organization 1

Organization Name

Number of Volunteer Hours Served

Description of Activities or Services Performed

Contact Name and Phone Number

Volunteer Service - Organization 2

Organization Name

Number of Volunteer Hours Served

Description of Activities or Services Performed

Contact Name and Phone Number

Volunteer Service - Organization 3

Organization Name

Number of Volunteer Hourse Served

Description of Activities or Services Performed

Contact Name and Phone Number

Rose Festival Court Rules & Guidelines

If selected to the Rose Festival Court, Court Members will be asked to agree to rules and guidelines, including the following:

Time and Commitment:

A Court Member's term of service is from school announcement day through the end of the Festival season. For the Court Member selected as Queen this term is extended through the following year's Coronation and Grand Floral Parade.

This includes:

Travel season from mid-May through early June during which the Court will have Official Business most days of the week.
Official duties for Court Members will end after the Grand Floral Parade and the Queen’s Coronation.
Official duties for the Court Member selected as Queen will end after the Queen’s Coronation and Grand Floral Parade of the following year.
Court Members and their families are responsible for recognizing and agreeing to the time and commitment of the Rose Festival Court.
Court Members may be asked to forego personal or extra-curricular events to prioritize the Rose Festival Court.
Travel to/from Court Headquarters is the responsibility of the Court Member and her family.
From Court Headquarters the Court will travel as a group with appropriate chaperones.

Behavior:

Court Members are public figures and as such must be mindful of their behavior at all times, both in person and online.
Court Members will work with Court Committee Members and/or Staff before making any public comments.
Court Members will adhere to the Portland Rose Festival's non-commercialization policy and will refer any appearance or endorsement requests to the Foundation's Court Staff Member.
Court Members will not be in possession of nor consume tobacco/vape products, alcohol, and drugs.
The Portland Rose Festival Foundation reserves the right to remove any Court Member or Queen from the Rose Festival Court for any reason, at any given time.
For further rules and guidelines please read the terms and conditions below. All selected Court Members will receive a Court Handbook with all rules and guidelines.

All applicants must agree to the following statement:

I acknowledge that I have a proven record of good citizenship and attendance, have never been convicted of a crime, have read and understand all of the above Rules & Guidelines, and agree to abide by them. I understand that I may be removed as a candidate for or member of the Rose Festival Court if I do not meet these rules at any time after signing this application. I understand all decisions made by the Portland Rose Festival Foundation directors, staff, or my high school administration are final. I certify that all information contained in this application is correct to the best of my knowledge.

Student Acknowledgement:

I confirm that I have read the criteria & I am eligible to apply for the Rose Festival Court.
*

I have read and understand these Rules & Guidelines and agree to this statement
*

Parent/Guardian Acknowledgment

As a parent or guardian, I have read and understand these Rules and Guidelines for Parents/Guardians
Please type your name and date in the field below *

Parent/Guardian Name and Date

Parent/Guardian Email

(email of parent/guardian who signed above)

Once all required fields are completed - please click Submit below

Remember to submit the Recommendation Form, School Acknowledgement, and Official Transcript to complete your application process!

Submit