Rose Festival Court

About the Court

The Rose Festival Court is comprised of up to 15 outstanding students chosen from Portland Metro-area high schools. 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 mentoring opportunities to outstanding young women in a program that perpetuates an appreciation for Rose Festival history and tradition.

Princess announcements take place daily in late February and March, in the days leading up to Spring Break. Following their selection, Court Members attend after-school and weekend training sessions covering topics including media training, networking, public speaking and more. Once travel begins, the Court travels full-time 5 days a week, visiting community events, business leaders, hospitals, senior living centers, youth organizations, civic groups and participating in the Rose Festival's parades and events!

Court Members receive one-on-one mentorship with top female executives from presenting sponsor Unitus Community Credit Union, a $3,500 scholarship provided by The Randall Group valid for any accredited college, university or trade program, a complete travel wardrobe including shoes and accessories, and a lifetime of enduring friendships with their Rose Festival Court sisters.

LEARN MORE about the 2023 Court

2023 Rose Festival Queen: Déja Fitzwater

Metro West Princess and recent Tigard High School graduate Déja Fitzwater has been crowned the 109th Rose Festival Queen. This prestigious honor, bestowed upon one exceptional individual each year, recognizes Déja's outstanding contributions to her school, her community, and her commitment to making a positive impact on the world around her.

In a speech she made earlier this spring, Déja emphasized how she plans to focus on fun in 2023. She expressed her intention to "laugh until my abs hurt, and smile until my cheeks get that little twitch of 'nope, we got to stop, this is too much!'" In the coming year, she plans to infuse fun into every aspect of her life by embarking on new adventures each day.

Déja plans to attend University of Alabama and study education, science, or theater.

The Queen serves as an ambassador of the Rose Festival for 1 year and will perform her final role by crowning the new Queen on June 7, 2024.

To request an appearance by Queen Déja Fitzwater, please fill out the Queen Appearance Request form.
All requests should be in line with the Rose Festival Foundation's Mission Statement. The Rose Festival Queen does not make appearances for commercial purposes.

LEARN MORE about the 2023 Queen's Coronation

Apply for the Court

Applications for the 2023 Rose Festival Court are now closed. Please check back in late fall, 2023, for information about applying for 2024.
If you have an interest in applying for the Rose Festival Court in the future, please review the Court Eligibility Requirements & FAQ document.

Rose Festival Court Eligibility Requirements & FAQ

Do YOU want to be a Princess?

Court Mission

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 mentoring opportunities to outstanding young women in a program that perpetuates an appreciation for Rose Festival history and tradition.

PAST COURT MEMBERS - PLEASE SHARE YOUR CONTACT INFORMATION!

Each year, members of the Court celebrating their 50th anniversary of Court service are sought for participation in the Grand Floral Parade. We're currently seeking members of the 1974 Rose Festival Court.

We are always looking to re-connect with past Court Members from any year! If you were a member of the Senior Court (or Junior Court), we want to keep track of you as an IMPORTANT member of the Rose Festival Family! We will gratefully accept historical donations (such as scrapbooks and memorabilia) for future generations to share. Additionally, we have an on-going project to scan loaned scrapbooks and photos. We need YOU to realize the dream of turning our history into a digital format — and we’re always looking for volunteers who can assist us with this meaningful work.

Please feel free to email email Marilyn Clint to update your contact information!