April 14, 2021

Dick Kern - 2021 Sports Breakfast Hall of Fame

Dick Kern and Russ Potts were the Co-Chairmen of the very first Sports Breakfast featuring Jack Dempsey in 1965.

Dick passed away on October 1, 2020 at 100 years old and is represented by his grandson, Trey, Owner / Operator of Kern Motor Company. Both Trey and Dick’s son Rick were outstanding athletes at Handley. All three are members of the Judges Athletic Association Hall of Fame.

Kern was one of the founders of the Judges Athletic Association – one of the nation’s most successful high school booster associations. Dick is a past President of the JAA.

Dick was an outstanding athlete having starred at Handley High School as a quarterback in the single wing offense and later at Virginia Tech as the starting defensive halfback and linebacker.

Kern won the Williams Award as the outstanding senior football player in 1941 and was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles. He was unable to pursue an NFL career because of serving in World War II.

Dick was a highly decorated war hero in the U.S. Army during WWII and one of the youngest company commanders in the nation with over 300 men under his command.

Dick created Kern Motor Company, the longest standing automotive agency in Winchester / Frederick County.

Kern served with distinction as Vice Mayor, Chairman of the City Finance Committee, and Councilman-serving for over 20 years.

Dick Kern will always be known as an outstanding community leader and philanthropist.

Princesses Group 3
By Erik Zimmerman March 20, 2026
Festival Announces Selection of Princesses who will accompany Queen Shenandoah XCIX and her Court to all Festival functions throughout the 99th Festival, April 24th to May 3rd, 2026.
Jesse Palmer
By Erik Zimmerman March 19, 2026
TV Personality and Sports Commentator Jesse Palmer to serve as the 99th Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival® Grand Marshal . Purchase tickets for Festival events.
Molly Maynard (L) and Natalie Rasmussen (R)
By Erik Zimmerman March 16, 2026
Miss Honorary Fire and Rescue Chief In and Out of Town Pageant Winners.
Izzy Horn
By Erik Zimmerman March 16, 2026
Izzy Horn, Miss Virginia Association of Fairs, to attend 99th Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival®.
2026 Princesses Group 2
By Erik Zimmerman March 13, 2026
The princesses include Morgan Elaina Holben, Paige Christine Linton, Izabella Grace O'Wade, Meghan Elizabeth Walker, and Carrie Hart Warner.
Miss Honorary Fire and Rescue Chief Contest
By Erik Zimmerman March 11, 2026
The In-Town and Out-of-Town Miss Honorary Fire and Rescue Chief Contest, will be held at 7 p.m. Saturday, March 14, at James Wood Middle School in Winchester.
Royce Gracie
By Erik Zimmerman March 9, 2026
Ultimate Fighting Championship and Mixed Martial Arts Legend Royce Gracie to Speak at the Partlow Insurance Sports Breakfast.
Festival Announces Selection of Princesses
By Erik Zimmerman March 6, 2026
The princesses include Lauren MacKinnon Dennard, Mia Douglas Kern, Ava Annalise Mannarino, Sarah Elizabeth Roy, and Taylor Faith Weiss.
Annabelle Jayne Park
By Erik Zimmerman February 26, 2026
Annabelle Park, Daughter of Michael and Laurie Park to Reign as Queen Shenandoah XCIX.
Jordan Burroughs
By Erik Zimmerman February 24, 2026
Six-time World Champion Wrestler and Olympic Gold Medalist, Jordan Burroughs to Serve as Sports Guest at the 99th Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival®.
Show More