Kobi Flowers, who went to Washington, D.C. for college, has enjoyed a whirlwind past year as the reigning Rose Festival queen — and has truly loved it.

“It’s been really, really cool and a life-changing experience,” said Flowers, the Jefferson High School graduate who attends Howard University in Washington, D.C. “It’s broadened my vision of everything, being away from him and on the opposite side of the country.

“Everybody coming from different places, everybody has different experiences — things they’re good at and what they struggle with. Super intelligent people. There are friends who have businesses. Some are going to be doctors.

“School really, really well actually. I’m still on the pre-med track (toward being anesthesiologist or pharmacist), taking a lot of sciences (classes) right now. I’m trying to figure out what hobbies I’m interested in, and taking creative writing classes soon.”

But Flowers retains her fondness for her home city, neighborhood, family, Jefferson classmates, the fellow 2024 Rose Festival Court members, and being the Queen of Rosaria.

Flowers was mighty proud to be named Rose Festival queen.

“Well it’s gone by so fast. I can’t believe it’s already been almost a year. It’s such an honor,” she said. “Sometimes I still get shocked it happened the way it did. It’s been amazing. I feel like it’s put me in a position to honor and showcase my community, and stuff that has been important to me. It’s a blessing, and I’m thankful for opportunity.”

Flowers attended the Pendleton Round-Up in September 2024 and traveled to Taiwan in February as part of the Portland Kaohsiung Sister City Association delegation. Two thoughts from Flowers: It was cool to wear a cowboy hat in Pendleton, ala Beyonce in her latest style, and visiting Taiwan, where young people she met “treated me like a queen.”

Flowers was excited to interact with the 2025 Rose Festival Court members and crown her successor on June 6 in an 11 a.m. ceremony at Oregon Square, Northeast Eighth Avenue/Holladay Street. She’ll also attend the Portland Rose Society’s 135th Annual Spring Rose Show at Lloyd Center. She’ll also work a summer job, helping students with college readiness.

A bit about Flowers:

She’s named Kobi after the late, great basketball player Kobe Bryant. She said Mom had to go with a more “girlie” spelling.

Flowers carried a 4.0 grade point average since seventh grade.

She was proudly varsity cheer captain.

She helped others in her job as a chaperone/coach with Self Enhancement, Inc.

Flowers has also been involved with Jefferson’s Black Student Union, and accepts being a role model for young Black women.

“I take being a role model very seriously,” she said, after being named Jefferson High court princess. “Being a young Black American woman, (it gives) me the opportunity to amplify my voice. By representing Jefferson, I’m representing leadership, community involvement, and young girls coming behind me.”

Her grandmother, Evelyn Flowers, and mother, Demeitra Flowers, encouraged her to run for Rose Festival court.

And, for a day each year, for as long as Flowers can remember, she and family members gather to make Christmas cookies — an enormous amount of Christmas sugar cookies.

“My favorite time of year. It’s a family tradition,” she said.