Former Thurgood Marshall student from class of 2024, Olivia Hargrove is chosen to be on Royal Court
By: Leo Walters
Every year, the Tournament of Roses appoints seven young women from Pasadena and surrounding cities to serve on the Rose Court.
Held on the south lawn of the Tournament House, the Rose Court announcement is a beloved occasion in Pasadena culture, and once again, Marshall has seen one of its own Eagles crowned as a Rose Court Princess.
On Sept. 29, Olivia Hargrove, a proud Marshall Alumna was chosen to be a member of the Royal Court for the 2026 New Year’s Day Rose Parade.
Nearly 200 guests attended in support of the event. The final decision was between 28 finalists, supporters gathering in large groups of representatives from all of the nominated schools.
This year, the chosen court consists of girls from the following schools: The California Institute of Technology (CalTech), Arcadia High School, Alhambra High School, John Muir High School, Temple City High School, and Hargrove who currently attends Pasadena City College.
After interviewing over 400 potential candidates, Rose Tournament officials decided the court based on several criteria. They were looking for girls with impressive academic records and extracurricular activity, community involvement, public speaking ability, and natural leadership skills.
Hargrove has excelled in these qualities while at Marshall, and continues to do so now.
“We are thrilled. She represents so many wonderful things about Marshall. We couldn’t be prouder,” said principal Lori Touloumian, reacting to the news of Hargrove’s crowning.
An abbreviated list of Olivia’s achievements include her participation in Marshall’s marching band,
the Hollywood Bowl’s Christmas Parade, and the Rose Parade with the Pasadena All-Star band. She was an exceptional student in all subjects and now intends to study Mechanical Engineering with a focus in Aerospace technology, and she holds the title of the first Pasadena City College court member in over a decade.
When asked what inspired her to try out for the Court, Hargrove responded, “I wanted to have fun, and I really did have fun with this process. Marching the Rose Parade about three years back, it’s really bringing back all those memories of the joy I had lining up the morning of. Now, I get this chance, it’s crazy.”
Hargrove’s mother, Linda Hargrove, attests to her daughter’s leadership qualities and experience throughout the nomination process.
“She is quite communicative. She’s able to talk to all age groups, and always has a positive attitude. Olivia says it’s all been really fun, the girls are all very nice,” Linda Hargrove said.
When asked what words of motivation she has for future generations, Hargrove said it’s all a matter of putting yourself out there.
“Even if you don’t think you’re going to make it far, at least try. You need to believe in yourself first to get where you want to be,” she said.
Hargrove joins Trinity Dela Cruz, Jeannine Briggs, Zoë Denoncourt, Mia Thorsen, and Reese Rosental Saporito as current or former Marshall students nominated to the Royal Court since 2020.