Each spring, the vibrant city of Portland dedicates itself to the celebration of its beloved Rose Festival, culminating in the crowning of a new queen.
This year, at 11 a.m. on Friday, June 6, the Portland Rose Festival will proudly welcome a new royal figure to take the place of last year’s crowned jewel, Jefferson High School senior Kobi Flowers, who was honored as the 110th Rose Festival Queen.
The crown will be placed on one among the 15 exceptional area high school students, known as princesses, who were selected earlier in the season. Each princess has participated in a month-long orientation program and spent the entire month of May engaging with the community and attending various local events.
Being part of the Rose Festival Court comes with significant benefits; each princess receives a substantial scholarship of $3,500 from The Randall Group, which can be used for any accredited college, university, or trade program.
Additionally, the chosen princesses receive a carefully curated wardrobe including shoes and accessories, alongside building lifelong friendships with their fellow court members.
The following are the 2025 princesses, sharing their aspirations and personal connections to Portland, as provided by the Portland Rose Festival:
**Kathy Nguyen** from Leodis McDaniel High School is currently a junior with plans to pursue a career in law, focusing on medicine’s intersection with the legal system.
She engages in various activities including dance, Key Club, tennis, and National Honor Society, while also teaching pickleball to elementary students.
A self-described lover of Portland’s scenery, Nguyen’s favorite spot is Mount Tabor, where she cherishes memories made biking with friends and watching sunsets.
**Eleanor Isles** from Ulysses S. Grant High School, also a junior, dreams of studying law with a particular interest in patent litigation.
Her extracurricular pursuits range from mock trial to cross country, and she even developed an AI cyberbullying detection algorithm during an internship at Portland State University.
Isles’ favorite destination in Portland is Powell’s Books, where she finds joy among endless shelves filled with stories and knowledge every time she visits downtown.
Another princess, **Sabrina Johnson** from Cleveland High School, is focused on studying counseling psychology or environmental justice at a four-year university after her junior year.
She actively participates in cheerleading and student council and is involved with the youth group at St. Luke’s Lutheran Church.
Johnson’s choice for her favorite Portland place is Sellwood Riverfront Park, where she relishes the blend of nature, friendship, and city views.
**Brenda Martinez De Jesus**, a junior at Benson Polytechnic High School, envisions a future as a pediatric nurse.
Not only is she her junior class vice president, but she also plays a major role in HOSA-Future Health Professionals as vice president, along with being an accomplished swimmer and tennis player.
Her favorite spot, Mount Tabor, offers breathtaking views of the city’s natural beauty, which she appreciates deeply.
**Janiya Thompson**, a senior from Jefferson High School, has her eyes set on a degree in graphic design, aspiring to work in illustration/animation or marketing/media design.
Engaged in mock trial, choir, and theater, she finds joy in art and creativity during her free time.
Thompson loves exploring Mississippi Street, drawn by its vibrant atmosphere of entertainment, food, and the adventures it provides.
**Gloria Zawadi**, a senior at Roosevelt High School, plans to major in psychology at university with the goal of becoming a clinical psychologist.
Her activities include tennis and leading the Black Student Union, along with participation in African Club and Upward Bound.
For Zawadi, Columbia Park remains her cherished spot due to the memories made there, highlighting its significance in her childhood.
**Ava Rathi**, hailing from Lincoln High School and currently a senior, aspires to study international affairs, political science, or business, aiming for a career in international relations or public policy.
Leading her Speech and Debate team, she is also engaged in mock trial and National Honor Society activities.
Her favorite place in Portland is the Japanese Gardens, a serene destination that has captivated her since childhood.
**Meerali Patel**, a senior at Central Catholic High School, is focused on studying law and pursuing a career as either a business lawyer, financial consultant, or economics consultant.
She is also a varsity lacrosse player and heavily involved in mock trial and constitutional debate.
Patel finds joy in the PDX airport, appreciating its representation of the city’s spirit through its art, food, and friendly staff.
**Sivan Safran**, the co-president of the Jewish Student Union at Ida B. Wells High School and a senior, looks to study urban studies and Jewish history, aiming for a career in documentary filmmaking.
Her interest in nature drives her love for Forest Park, a place filled with lifelong memories from her upbringing in a family passionate about the outdoors.
**Isa Halle**, a junior at Franklin High School, intends to major in international relations with a minor in French and hopes to foster a career in environmental advocacy.
As president and co-founder of the Harm Reduction Club, Halle is also active on the ski and cheer teams.
She holds Sellwood Riverfront Park dear to her heart, having celebrated joyful birthdays there through the years.
**Jayden Rendon-Ramirez**, a junior representing David Douglas High School, aspires to become either a pediatrician or nurse after attending university.
Her responsibilities include participating in the Red Cross, College Possible Club, and the dance team.
Southwest Downtown Portland captivates her with its bustling atmosphere and cultural diversity, making it her favorite exploration spot.
**Ivette Hernandez**, a senior at Parkrose High School, aims to enter the pediatric field at university.
She balances her role as manager of the Parkrose wrestling team, leading the Finance Club while enjoying time solving puzzles and playing video games.
Hernandez deeply appreciates the Rocky Butte Natural Area, enchanted by its greenery and stunning city views.
**Esther Lian** from St. Mary Academy, a senior, plans to study business with a focus on marketing and management.
Her involvement ranges from robotics and volleyball to the South Asian Student Association.
Lian finds solace in the Grotto, which she describes as breathtaking for its spectacular views and spiritual significance.
Finally, **Addie Glem**, a junior from Century High School, is determined to study nursing with a focus on labor and delivery or ICU care.
Glem is active in cross country and track, serving as an officer in the National Honor Society.
Her cherished memories are tied to the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall, a venue that holds special significance in her life.
**Avari Brocker** from La Salle Catholic (Metro East) rounds out the 2025 Rose Festival Court as a senior intending to study biomedical engineering.
She aims to establish a prosthetics company with an advanced understanding of both her field of study and business.
Her leadership roles in student council and volleyball highlight her commitment while making waves in poetry and photography.
Brocker treasures her memories at the Rose Garden, where her parents celebrated an impromptu vow renewal.
As the city of Portland looks forward to the annual culmination of the Rose Festival, excitement builds around the princesses who embody the spirit of resilience, creativity, and leadership, showcasing the incredible youth of this vibrant community.
image source from：https://www.oregonlive.com/living/2025/04/meet-portlands-2025-rose-festival-court-princesses.html
