Rose Festival

As Portland's Official Festival, The Rose Festival is a time to celebrate our wonderful city and community through volunteerism, environmentalism and fun events. As a non-profit organization, the Rose Festival Foundation, with the help of hundreds of volunteers each year, organize dozens of events around the city. From the three amazing parades to the annual rose show, marathons to fleet week, there are activities that everyone can enjoy, and 1.2 million people do just that every year. The Grand Floral Parade is a major highlight of the whole festival, and since the first one in 1907, it has grown to became the second-largest all-floral parade in the nation with over hall a million people in attendance. The Grand Floral Parade is a culmination of beautiful floats, marching bands, rodeo queens, llamas, and many more entries including the Rose Festival Court.
The Rose Festival has not been without royalty. Beginning in 1908, there has a been a selected monarch to be the face of the Festival for the course of the year and then in 1930 the Rose Festival Court was introduced. One woman from each of the local high schools is chosen to represent their school and community as well as the Festival in general. Out of all the women, one is chosen who best embodies what the festival stands for as the Queen of the Festival. Today the court consists of 15 women for the PPS high schools as well as a Metro East and Metro West high school. It is an honor to be chosen to represent your school, community and city as a Rose Festival Princess. Starting in May the court travels around Oregon full-time for five weeks visiting senior living centers, hospitals, youth organizations, community events and much more all while spreading Rose Festival cheer and happiness.
~Shani Plunkett, 2013 Princess

Roosevelt High School's
2024 Rose Festival Princess

Heleen RedBird

Heleen is a junior and member of the Class of 2025. She has been raised in Portland and is a proud member of the Cheyenne River Sioux and Fort Peck Sioux Tribes. While college is still over a year off, she plans to study law so she can advocate for civil rights for people of color.
A very involved student, Heleen has a full resume. She is an inducted Thespian in Roosevelt’s troupe and has earned her varsity letter in theatre. She is also co-president of the Indigenous Alliance Club. Even with her many extracurriculars, she is a top student and was recently recognized by her advocate from Self Enhancement Incorporation for her outstanding grades and attitude.
In her free time she enjoys reading and drawing. Heleen also loves to try new foods and desserts with her mom. Her favorite Rose Festival event is the Grand Floral Parade, and seeing all the different flowers used for the floats. One of her favorite events at Roosevelt is Unity Fest, the student-run multicultural celebration. “I love seeing most of Roosevelt's different cultures coming together and celebrating their heritage. I personally find it beautiful and want to see more!”
Heleen comes from a long line of Roosevelt alumni. Her great-grandmother was the first Native American woman in the Roosevelt choir, and she also started many clubs. Most of her family has graduated from Roosevelt.
When asked what she is most proud of during her high school career, Heleen said “I am most proud of being an activist for students in my school. I take pride in speaking up for those who are afraid to.”