(L-R) Top: 2024 Princess Trinity Dela Cruz, 2022 Princess Jeannine Briggs. Bottom: 2023 Princess Zoë Denoncourt, 2020 Princess Reese Rosental Saporito, and 2020 Princess Mia Thorsen (Photos – David Doperoy, Felita Kealing)
On Monday, January 1, 2024, Trinity Dela Cruz, a Marshall Fundamental Senior, will ride down Colorado Boulevard on the Royal Court float as a 2024 Tournament of Roses Royal Court Member in the 135th Rose Parade. Later that day, the Royal Court Members will also attend the College Football Playoff Semifinal game at the 110th Rose Bowl Game.
By Felita Kealing
As a Tournament of Roses Royal Court Member, Trinity is one of five Marshall Fundamental Seniors in the past five years crowned to the Royal Court Family. In 2020 Princess Reese Rosental-Saporito and Princess Mia Thorsen, 2022 Princess Jeannine Briggs, 2023 Princess Zoë Denoncourt, and 2024 Princess Trinity Dela Cruz. There was no parade in 2021 due to the COVID pandemic. This makes four consecutive parades and five crowned princesses, more than any other school in the Pasadena area.
Each of these Marshall Eagles has soared academically, and exemplifies the character of service and leadership expected by the Tournament of Roses Foundation. Each was asked about their most memorable moment as a Royal Court Member, most memorable about Marshall. Here are their stories.
– 2020 Princess Reese Rosental Saporito
My most memorable part of being on the Royal Court was meeting all the kids at the different hospitals, Ronald McDonald House, libraries, and then seeing them on the parade route. It was so special to see their faces light up and to fully realize the impact we have. Marshall Fundamental is so special because you are really able to connect with your peers and teachers, which makes school all the more influential.”
Reese is in her final year at Northwestern University double-majoring in Legal Studies and Science in Human Culture, and a minor in Native American and Indigenous Studies. Her career goal is to become a lawyer with a science background.
– 2020 Princess Mia Thorsen
The most memorable part of the Royal Court was probably the parade itself! It was surreal to see so many people from Pasadena and beyond celebrating together! The best view of the parade is definitely from the floats. The most memorable part of Marshall Fundamental for me was the incredible faculty. Not a day passes where I am not thankful to my teachers at Marshall for pushing me, believing in me!”
Mia completed her degree at the University of California, Los Angeles where she majored in International Development Studies. Her career goals are to practice International Law to become a United Nations Ambassador.
– 2022 Princess Jeannine Briggs
What was most memorable about the Royal Court was the day the Court was announced. The moment was filled with high hopes about how I would fulfill the position bestowed upon me. I can confidently say, I met the responsibilities. What made it easy was becoming friends with all the girls immediately. What was most memorable about Marshall Fundamental was the high level of commitment students, teachers, and parents had to our school. That’s why every event, every show, every program was always so successful.”
Jeannine is currently studying at the University of California, Los Angeles. Her major is International Development Studies.
– 2023 Princess Zoë Denoncourt
My most memorable moment as a Royal Court Member occurred at the public Q&A. A young girl asked a question and I remembered talking to her previously about how she had been nervous. I asked her if she wanted to come sit with me and my fellow Court Members. I was so happy to be able to help create a good memory for her and her family. My family moved to California my freshmen year, and I attended Marshall Fundamental in 9th, 10th, and 12th grades. Being new to the community, then leaving, and then returning to Marshall stood out because it was so welcoming. Marshall’s staff and students were warm-natured and helped me adapt to a new school environment.”
Zoë is currently attending the University of California Berkeley; her major is Legal Studies.
– 2024 Princess Trinity Dela Cruz
Becoming a member of the Royal Court has been a dream since I was a little girl in third grade. After meeting the court when Marshall Fundamental alumni Madison Triplett was crowned the 2015 Rose Queen, I have been inspired to be a part of it. I am looking forward to the big finale on January 1st. I have so many amazing memories through our many community events, and time with the other court members. Marshall Fundamental has supported me especially through the music programs, and the friendships through the marching band in particular. Marching band competitions are my favorite way to spend my fall Saturdays. I’m so grateful that Marshall introduced me to this program.”
Dela Cruz, a member of the National Honor Society, plans to study classical vocal performance and psychology at either Northwestern University, UCLA, Cal State Long Beach, or Vanderbilt University.
Congratulations to Trinity a 2024 Royal Court Member, as her peers before her have served as an ambassador to the Tournament of Roses, the Pasadena community, the greater Los Angeles area, and Marshall Fundamental. Each receives a $7,500 educational scholarship. The selected young ladies exemplify character, service, and leadership modeled through their commitment to family, school, and community.
Principal Lori Touloumian stated, “When I accepted the position at Marshall Fundamental in 2021, I knew the student body was special. These young women’s accomplishments are examples of the school culture, student work ethic, and teacher and staff teamwork.”
Wonderful students and graduates!!