MaryMer Kansou was crowned Tuesday as Roosevelt High School’s representative on the 2023 Portland Rose Festival Court.
The daughter of Michelle Kansou, the Roosevelt senior plans to study marine biology at Oregon State University. At Roosevelt, Kansou participated in the Pacific Islanders Club (she was born in Hilo, Hawaii) and played basketball and volleyball.
Rose Festival Court announcements began Monday, when the Ida B. Wells High School princess was named.
In all, 15 students from Portland-area high schools will serve on the court. Each will receive a $3,500 scholarship courtesy of The Randall Group and one-on-one mentorship arranged by Unitus Community Credit Union.
Announcements continue Wednesday at Franklin High School and Thursday at Grant High School. The final member of the court will be named March 24, and the 2023 Queen of Rosaria will be crowned June 9 at Oregon Square in Northeast Portland.
The Rose Festival kicks off with fireworks and City Fair’s opening May 26 and culminating with the Grand Floral Parade on June 10.
MaryMer Kansou will represent Roosevelt High School on the 2023 Portland Rose Festival Court.Naim Hasan Photography
Read more about Princess MaryMer, as told to the Portland Rose Festival.
Future education plans: My higher education plans are to go to Oregon State University and study Marine Biology.
Career plans: I plan to become a marine biologist to better help my island home lands and our oceans.
High school activities and honors: I have been a part of Roosevelt High School’s Pacific Islander Club all four years of high school. From my freshman year to my junior year I also played on the girls basketball team and volleyball team. While playing basketball and volleyball I was awarded the “Most Inspirational” award from both teams. I wasn’t the best athletically, but if I could lift my team up I will.
Hobbies and special interests: In my free time I like playing basketball and volleyball. These two sports taught me two different lessons in life, but these activities are what brings me peace of mind.
What is your favorite place to visit in Portland and why? My favorite place to visit in Portland is the whole St. Johns area. There’s no way I could pick just one place to call my favorite. I keep these places in my heart because these were the first places I went to after moving to Portland in 2018.
What are you most proud of during your high school career? I am most proud of my junior year as a whole. During volleyball season, I tore my ACL and had to have surgery in November 2021. Due to sacrificing large amounts of my time to physical therapy I fell behind with my studies and athletics. Catching back up with my studies and athletics gave me a new sense of strength. I then had the opportunity to assist in planning Roosevelt’s “Unity Fest” as a representative from the Pacific Islander Club. All the happiness from everyone made all the work I put into “Unity Fest” worth it and that’s what makes me the proudest.
What is your favorite Rose Festival event and why? My favorite Rose Festival event is the City Fair. From trying new foods to rides, it made me feel a great sense of excitement.
Unitus Community Credit Union Mentor: Karen Carson.
— Grant Butler
503-221-8566; gbutler@oregonian.com; @grantbutler
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