They started with 1,143 applicants and whittled it down to seven last week.
The committee looks for a Rose Queen who is articulate, bright and charming.
When Natalie Anne Innocenzi heard her name over the loud speaker, it took a second to register.
"I was actually very cool, calm and collected because I thought whoever got it, deserved it, and we were all here for a reason, and when I heard my name, I couldn't not believe it," she said.
Innocenzi is on the tennis team, runs track and field and is involved in Amnesty International and the Alzheimer's Foundation of America Teens.
The honor of Rose Queen is more than her mother imagined.
"I'm just overwhelmed, and I'm proud, and I'm in disbelief," said mother Jeannette Innocenzi.
The rose princesses said they consider Innocenzi a leader.
"I've actually gone to school with her for a few years. I also go to Sacred Heart, so I know her very well, and I know she's very deserving and will do an amazing job as queen," said princess Katherine Hernandez.
Innocenzi will get her crown next month.
Between now and New Year's Day, the court will attend about 150 public appearances.
