12.27.18
You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles
YUMPU automatically turns print PDFs into web optimized ePapers that Google loves.
THE QUEEN AND<br />
HER COURT<br />
‘I FEEL HONORED TO BE CHOSEN,’ SAYS<br />
101ST ROSE QUEEN LOUISE DESER SISKEL<br />
BY SHEILA MENDES COLEMAN<br />
At first, it didn’t sink in that Tournament of Roses President Gerald Freeny<br />
had just announced her name as the 101st Rose Queen during the yearly<br />
coronation held at the Pasadena Playhouse in late October.<br />
“I thought they announced someone else’s name,” Louise Deser Siskel explained<br />
on KTLA Channel 5 the morning after the ceremony.<br />
Given what she’s already accomplished in her young life, it would be understandable<br />
if Siskel had things on her mind other than who among candidates for<br />
Rose Queen would be chosen to wear the dazzling Mikimota crown of pearls and<br />
diamonds in leading the 130th Rose Parade on New Year’s Day.<br />
With plans to study cellular and molecular biology in college, Siskel is already<br />
doing breast cancer research under the supervision of Dr. Shehla Pervin of the<br />
Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science. She is also participating<br />
in a project with NASA on the effects of over-the-counter medication on<br />
astronauts.<br />
“I was clapping for one of my friends out there and didn’t realize<br />
that it was actually me,” the San Marino teen told the TV<br />
interviewers. “You can see my shock when I finally did realize<br />
that it was me.”<br />
Filling out this year’s Royal Court are six other young<br />
women, each with their own ambitions and plans for<br />
the future. What they all seem have<br />
28 PASADENA WEEKLY | <strong>12.27.18</strong>
Change language