Rose Parade 2015: Meet Madison Triplett, the…
Rose Parade 2015: Meet Madison Triplett, the 97th Rose Queen
Rose Queen Madison Triplett during fashion photo shoot with the 2015 Rose Parade Royal Court at the Pasadena Playhouse in Pasadena.
By Melissa Masatani | Melissa.Masatani@sgvn.com |
It was an early morning, Oct. 21, and the seven new sisters knew they were in for a long and emotional day. One of them would be crowned queen of the 2015 Tournament of Roses Royal Court.
"I asked the hair stylist, 'Do you know who it is?' " Madison Triplett remembered. "And she just said, 'Yeah, I know,' and just kept doing my hair."
Without any hints or clues from the organizers, the seven princesses were waiting for the announcement of the queen like the rest of the public.
• Photos: 2015 Rose Parade Rose Queen announcement
"When (Tournament of Roses President Rich Chinen) said my name, I was completely shocked," Triplett said. "No one had any idea who it was going to be."
The 17-year-old senior at Marshall Fundamental Secondary School will reign over the 126th Rose Parade presented by Honda and the 101st Rose Bowl Game on New Year's Day.
"The most unexpected thing would be getting noticed in public by adults with children," she said. "They say, 'Oh my gosh, you're the Rose Queen, can my child take a picture with you?' "
• Read More: Get to know the princesses of the 2015 Rose Parade Royal Court
Triplett has been an active member of her community for most of her life, beginning with joining student government in middle school. She has been involved with the school's Black Student Union since eighth grade and is the group's president for the second year. Triplett also is the executive committee chair of the Pasadena Youth Council, which is the city's advisory committee for youth engagement.
• Video: Queen Madison Triplett
"I like doing things and making things happen," she said. "I'm not a homebody, I like to be out doing things."
Triplett hopes to attend college on the East Coast, finding a school where "it's not hot in November." But until then, she is the Royal Court's Miss Positivity, distributing rose stickers with a smile.
"I think President Chinen's choice on the theme is wonderful," she said. "Inspiring stories are something everyone has so I'm just excited to learn and listen to the inspiring stories throughout my reign that everyone shares with me."
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Melissa Masatani