December 26, 2025

Festival Announces Selection of Little Maids

Six girls have been selected to serve as Little Maids in the Court of Queen Shenandoah XCIX during the Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival, April 24th through May 3rd, 2026.  They are Madelyn Grace Phares Estep, Brynley Patricia Hester, Emmylou Evan Keller, Emory Elaine Larrick, Kathryn Ava Maphis and Callie Marie Seal.

Madelyn Grace “Maddie Grace” Pharse Estep

Madelyn Grace “Maddie Grace” Pharse Estep is the daughter of Amanda and Eric Estep of Winchester, VA. She is the granddaughter of Joyce and William (Bill) Minor, Jr., Carolyn Clement and Roger Stover and Linda and Randy Estep, and the great-granddaughter of Liz and William (Bill) Minor, Sr. and Hazel Carper, all of Winchester. Maddie Grace is a fourth-grade student at Garland Quarles Elementary School where she is a member of the Early Act Club and the Chameleon Choir. Maddie Grace plays 10U softball for the Winchester Crusaders and plays recreational basketball. Her mother was a princess in the court of Queen Shenandoah LXX, Amber Elizabeth Medlin.

Brynley Patricia Hester

Brynley Patricia Hester is the daughter of Mary Kay and Brian Hester of Stephenson, VA. She is the granddaughter of Teresa and Jeff Svoboda of Hayes, VA, Patricia Hester of Charlottesville, VA and Jeff Hester of Winchester. She is a fourth-grade student at Jordan Springs Elementary School. Brynley is an avid dancer with Italia Performing Arts. Outside of school, she loves to read, build Lego sets and spend time with her sisters. Her father was a page in the court of Queen Shenandoah LXII, Emily Sikking. 

Emmylou Evan Keller

Emmylou Evan Keller is the daughter of Marcy and Tommy Keller and Megan Monahan and Tim Luthman, all of Bel Air, MD. She is the granddaughter of Terry and Dave Fincham of Winchester, Randy and Terry Obenchain of Vinton, VA, Amy and John Keller of Strasburg, VA and Barb Monahan of Frankford, DE. She is a third-grade student at Bel Air Elementary School. Emmylou is a member of the Kids First Swim Team and loves to dance, sing and perform.  Outside of school, she enjoys traveling, riding roller coasters and playing with her four dogs.

Emory Elaine Larrick

Emory Elaine Larrick is the daughter of Lacey Larrick and Evan Hinkle of Stephens City, VA and Jason Larrick of Middletown, VA. She is the granddaughter of Karen and Randy Perry of Stephens City, Teri and David Polk of New Market, VA, Maren Konrady and Donald Larrick of Middletown and the late Cynthia Perry. Emory is a fourth-grade student at Middletown Elementary School where she is on the AB honor roll. She enjoys playing soccer and participating in gymnastics. Recently, she has enjoyed hunting. Her mother was a little maid in the court of Queen Shenandoah LXXI, Jennifer Wickliffe Robb.

 Kathryn Ava Maphis

Kathryn Ava Maphis is the daughter of Amy and Bryan Maphis of Winchester. She is the granddaughter of Sue and Thomas Rosenberger of Winchester and Margie and John Maphis of Stephens City. She is a fourth-grade student at Frederick Douglass Elementary School. Kathryn is a jazz dancer at the Shenandoah Conservatory Arts Academy. She is a member of the Stonebrook Swim Team, participates in running club, volleyball and basketball. She attends St. John’s Lutheran Church. Her mother was a princess in the court of Queen Shenandoah LXXIV, Tyne Vance.

Callie Marie Seal

Callie Marie Seal is the daughter of Laura and Terry Seal of Winchester. She is the granddaughter of Larry Shobe of Winchester, Tammy and Keith Lynn of Gore, VA, Brenda and Terry Seal Sr. of North Port, FL and the late Carol Shobe.  She is a third-grade student at Greenwood Mill Elementary.  Callie enjoys gymnastics, swimming, playing with her friends and going to church.  Her mother was a princess in the court of Queen Shenandoah LXXVIII, Tessa Rose Ferrer.

The Little Maids will participate in the Coronation Ceremony of Queen Shenandoah XCIX at John Handley High School on Friday, May 1st, 2026 and will ride on the Queen’s float in the Grand Feature Parade on Saturday, May 2nd, 2026.

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