Ten La Canada candidates are Rose Queen semifinalists

Ten young La Canada young women are among the 30 finalists selected Thursday for the 2008 Pasadena Tournament of Roses Royal Court.

The semi-finalists who either live in La Canada or attend school here are: Georgia Raines, Flintridge Preparatory School; Mary Gaule, Flintridge Sacred Heart Academy; Rachel Maloof, Flintridge Sacred Heart Academy; Alexandra Baptiste, Flintridge Preparatory School; Gina Tucker, La Canada High School; Allegra Batista, La Canada High School; Iman Khan, La Canada High School; Marlise Knechtle, Flintridge Sacred Heart Academy; Quinn Young, La Canada High School; and Shannon Thomas, Flintridge Preparatory School.

The girls were chosen from among about 1,000 Pasadena area high school seniors who auditioned a few weeks ago for a space on the seven-member court. The selection is made based on academic achievement, appearance, poise, personality, and public speaking ability.

An announcement will be made Monday morning, Oct. 13, as to which young women will move forward to take their place on this year’s court. On Oct. 21, a Rose Queen will be selected from among the court. The coronation will be on Oct. 30 at Tournament House in Pasadena.

All of the La Canada girls chosen in the finals said they were excited to have made it this far in the selection process. “It’s flattering to get this far. And, we’re all keeping our fingers crossed that we make it to the next level,” Thomas said.

Even if the girls aren’t selected for the court, it’s an experience they will never forget, Baptiste said, adding, “It’s wonderful all the girls I’ve met and the memories we’re making. I feel so honored to be part of all of this.”

This year’s Tournament of Roses Parade is themed Hats Off to Entertainment. Actress Cloris Leachman was named the Grand Marshal of the Parade, in a ceremony at Tournament House in Pasadena.