(Not Pictured: Gael Lemus, 2025 Rose Scholar) [Tournament or Roses photo]
The Pasadena Tournament of Roses Association has selected eight high school seniors from the Pasadena Unified School District as 2025 ROSE Scholars. The program awarded $20,000 in scholarships to graduating seniors, bringing the total amount distributed since the program’s inception to $100,000.
“At the Tournament of Roses, we believe in the power of creativity to inspire, heal and connect,” said Mark Leavens, Pasadena Tournament of Roses Association President. “This year’s Rose Scholars embody that drive, many of which courageously used art and personal expression to share their experiences during the Eaton fires. We are proud to celebrate these resilient students and support their dreams through this scholarship program. Our deepest appreciation and thanks to David Brager and Citizens Business Bank for their steadfast partnership, which helps us uplift the next generation of leaders and changemakers.”
The scholarship recipients include Jameel Franco, Fletcher Paddock, and Gael Lemus from John Muir High School; Andrew Pimentel and Alyssa Yepez from Pasadena High School; Leila Nafarrete from CIS Academy (Center for Independent Study); and Tehilah Favour Ofumbi and Keilah Yu from Marshall Fundamental Secondary School.
The application process encouraged students to showcase their future aspirations through creative projects. Applicants submitted a one-page reflection explaining their thoughts about their creation and secured a recommendation from a teacher, coach, counselor, or community member. Unlike many scholarship programs, there was no minimum GPA requirement.
David A. Brager, President and CEO of Citizens Business Bank, expressed his enthusiasm for the 2025 Rose Scholars program, which awards scholarships to outstanding students within the Pasadena Unified School District. He praised the ongoing partnership with the Pasadena Tournament of Roses, highlighting its meaningful impact on education and community growth. Brager reaffirmed Citizens Business Bank’s commitment to empowering local youth, emphasizing the Bank’s proud support of initiatives that create lasting opportunities for future generations.
The ROSE Scholars program is part of broader community engagement efforts by the Tournament of Roses Association and its Foundation, which focus on charitable giving, volunteerism, and community involvement.
The Pasadena Tournament of Roses is the volunteer organization behind America’s New Year Celebration, including the Rose Parade presented by Honda and the Rose Bowl Game presented by Prudential. The Association’s 935 members contribute more than 80,000 volunteer hours annually to support these events.
The announcement was made on April 11, 2025, with the 137th Rose Parade scheduled for Thursday, January 1, 2026, followed by the College Football Quarterfinal at the Rose Bowl Game presented by Prudential. Visit www.tournamentofroses.
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