Though Tournament of Roses Princess Phoebe Ho was speechless when she was first chosen to represent the 2024 Rose Court, she has quickly gained footing in the treasured tradition and learned to embrace all that the experience has thrown her way.
She has become fast friends with the six other court members as they’ve traversed the Greater Pasadena and Los Angeles area for more than 100 events and visits, and she has especially loved visiting elementary schools. She’s embraced the leadership role, public speaking, and small tricks, like learning how to walk across grass in high heels.
Now, Ho is most excited to round the corner of Colorado Boulevard atop the Royal Court float on Jan. 1 and see her parents watching her.
“I think it’s going to be magical, watching them watch me in the parade,” she quipped. “I’m so excited to round the corner. … It’s been such a journey, everything we’ve done leading up to this moment, and to bond one last time with all the girls will be so special.”
It has been a whirlwind year for Ho. After the South Pasadena High School senior was chosen among hundreds of applicants to the Rose Court, earning a $7,500 educational scholarship, Ho underwent courses on public speaking and presentation, etiquette skills and personal development programs.
“I’ve really enjoyed it. It comes with a lot of responsibilities and you really have to organize your life around it, but it has been an amazing experience,” said Ho, who’s kept a journal to remember all the little details and fly-by-night experiences.
Ho stepped into the Rose Court role well-prepared — by nature, she keeps busy. She was chosen by the Tournament for her exemplary character, service and leadership modeled through her commitment to family, school and community. She is captain of the SPHS dance program, a dancer at San Marino Dance Academy, a Girl Scout of the Girl Scouts of Greater Los Angeles Chapter, secretary of Femineers at SPHS, a board member of Asian Pacific Islander Student Union and a volunteer for the Red Cross. Perhaps closest to her heart is her internship at the Lineage Performing Arts Center, where she has worked on her Girl Scout Gold Award Project.
Her father, Philip Ho, said he has admired her dedication.
“I am so proud to see her to serve as one of the seven ambassadors of the Tournament of Roses, the Pasadena community, and the Greater Los Angeles area since October,” he said. “No doubt she is gaining more invaluable experience of public speaking, presentation abilities and improving self-confidence and etiquette skills. More importantly, she is learning to manage her time and priorities.”
Ho’s most personal project, the Gold Award, has allowed her to connect working with people with neurological disabilities and has propelled her into the next phase of her life — studying biomedical engineering in college. Someday, she hopes, she can help more people with disabilities through dance and movement. The experience has taught her that everything happens for a reason.
“I think dance has had the most influence on my decision for a career,” said Ho, who has done competitive contemporary and jazz funk dance for years, but also loves ballet and jazz. “The understanding that dance is more than a competition, that it’s movement and expression, coming to know lineage dance — it really introduced me to the neuro aspect of it and how it can help people. It’s all really connected.”
Ho has applied at colleges across the country and is now in the throes of waiting; but whatever happens, she said, she is happy to be in the moment. There is so much to take in around her. And she’ll have her Rose Court posse at her side.
“Even now, we all reminisce about how we started out,” said Ho, recalling highlights like a retreat at the Langham Hotel, going to Macy’s, trying on all their outfits and shoes, and getting fitted for the final, New Year’s Day beaded gown.
“We text every day, see each other every day and we have a never-ending group chat conversation,” she laughed, noting the nonstop silly photos and voice memos help lighten some of the senior-year stress. The group is planning a spring or summer trip as well, along with a final sleepover.
But for now, she is soaking it all in, eager to watch her family, Philip and Pauline Ho, and older brother, Philson, from the top of the Rose Court float. Her father said he is just as excited.
“This 2024 Rose Parade and Rose Bowl Game is very meaningful to her and our family. I can’t wait to see her continue to thrive while riding on the Rose Court float and attending the game. I hope her smiling and waving can bring everybody peace, love and joy for the new year,” Philip Ho said.
First published in the December 29 print issue of the South Pasadena Review.
