Heleen RedBird, a junior from Roosevelt High School, has been named a member of the prestigious 2024 Portland Rose Festival Court, officials announced Tuesday. RedBird carries the distinction of becoming both the school's representative to the court and an embodiment of its diverse and dynamic student body. As reported by KPTV, she's black and Native American and is set to be the first person in her family to graduate high school. "I want to represent my school and community because I know representation matters," RedBird said, according to KPTV.
Graduating next June, RedBird's ambitions steer her toward a career in law and anthropology. Deeply involved in her school, she's been active in theater and the Indigenous Alliance club. Her academic and extracurricular achievements led her to the Rose Festival Court, which, according to OregonLive, is composed of 15 students from high schools around the Portland area. Each member will be awarded a $3,500 scholarship by The Randall Group and will also receive mentorship opportunities organized by Unitus Community Credit Union. The program emphasizes not only educational support but also volunteerism and cultural appreciation. OregonLive reports that the court announcements, which kicked off on March 5, will wrap up with the final member unveiled from Benson High School on March 22.
The Rose Festival itself is set to begin with a bang on May 24 with fireworks and the opening of the City Fair, with the Grand Floral Parade drawing the festivities to a close on June 8. Looking ahead, RedBird has expressed particular enthusiasm for the Grand Floral Parade, known for its innovative use of flora. "My favorite Rose Festival event is the Grand Floral Parade. I love seeing how all the different flowers are used for the floats," RedBird shared with the Portland Rose Festival Facebook page.
