In the period before the school day ended on Thursday, March 20th, the Cleveland High School Auditorium filled with students, all of them eager to learn who would represent them for the 2025 Portland Rose Festival celebration.

“You know, I’m always proud of our Cleveland Rose Festival candidates,” CHS Principal Jo Ann Wadkins told THE BEE before the program began. “We have such a diverse student body; each one has such diverse interests.

“Those we see represented on the stage today are students who are deeply involved with our student community; and any one of them would well-represent our school!”

CHS student association leaders welcomed guests, and introduced a Portland Rose Festival Association official, who in turn introduced others present from the nonprofit organization.

As they were announced, the members of this year’s CHS Rose Festival Princess Court each received applause when entering through the curtain onto the stage: Jenny Pham, Alara Bekleyen, Sabrina Johnson, and Celia Roehl.

Next, last year’s Cleveland High School Princess – Zora Forsberg – stepped up to say, “I’m glad I was able to be part of the Portland Rose Festival tradition. For my mentor, to our chaperones, to the entire Rose Festival staff: I appreciate your kindness and your help. My memories of the Portland Rose Festival will be some of my favorite memories of my life.”

Then came the moment when this year’s Princess was revealed – and it was a CHS junior, Sabrina Johnson, who reacted with surprise and joy.

“Thank you so much for voting for me; and, thank you so much for the Rose Festival Association making this possible,” CHS Princess Sabrina Johnson told the audience. “I’m so much looking forward to participating in all of the events this year!”

After the program, Princess Sabrina shared that her favorite place to visit in Portland is Sellwood Riverfront Park. “Or, ‘the docks’ as we call it. It holds special memories of joy and friendship with friends and family… It’s surrounded by greenery, the Willamette River, and a stunning view of the Portland skyline. It’s where I find peace and happiness.”

After she graduates in the CHS class of 2026, Princess Sabrina confided that she plans to attend a four-year university, and then a graduate school, with an eye to working in counseling psychology or environmental justice. Her career goal will be supported by a $3,500 scholarship presented by The Randall Group.

Learn more about the entire 2025 Portland Rose Festival at their official website – http://www.rosefestival.org