 Sharen Gromling, president of the Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival® is honored to welcome a man of courage, on and off the field, Rocky Bleier, Pittsburgh Steeler and War Hero, as a guest at the 97th Festival.
Just as Pittsburgh Steelers running back, Rocky Bleier, was about to wrap up his rookie season in 1968, a teammate called him over to the table the team reserved for fan mail. The former Notre Dame standout was surprised. He was not a high NFL draft pick or a well-known player and, in a few months with the team, had yet to receive any letters of support. When he opened the envelope, though, he realized that was still the case: In his hand was a notification that he had been drafted by the U.S. Army, which was immersed in the Vietnam War. He was due to report the next day. In combat the next year, he suffered grisly injuries that would reshape his life, but improbably, not nudge him off course. Bleier's military service was commemorated in the Pentagon’s Wounded Warrior corridor. The football player turned soldier turned injured veteran fought his way back to a professional football career that spanned more than a decade and included winning 4 Super Bowls alongside running mate Franco Harris and QB Terry Bradshaw. He was also the recipient of the George Halas Award in 1975, which is awarded to a player, coach or staff member who overcomes the most adversity to succeed. At the time of his retirement, he was the Steelers’ fourth all-time leading rusher. In turn, he has used that story to inspire countless others not to yield in the most difficult circumstances, and he has donated time and energy to helping veterans like him reacclimate to the jarringly different lives they faced when they returned home. Rocky is a member of the Congressional Committee for the 50th Anniversary of the Vietnam War and the Purple Heart Foundation. He is an active board member of the Warriors to Citizens Foundation, which is devoted to helping soldiers, police, fire, EMTs and their families recover from the psychological harm caused by career induced stress. Rocky also serves on the board of The National Flag Foundation that was founded to honor and respect our nation’s greatest symbol, the Flag of the United States of America. Rocky started the Rocky Bleier Golf Tournament to support Veterans Village in Appleton, Wisconsin. Rocky was born in Appleton, Wisconsin and currently lives in Pittsburgh, PA, with his wife Jan. Rocky will be attending Festival events, including the Coronation, presented by Morgan Orthodontics. He will then ride through Winchester’s historic streets in the Hang 10 Car Wash Firefighters’ Parade, May 3, at 5:30 p.m. and the Glo Fiber Grand Feature Parade on Saturday, May 4, at 1:30 p.m. Rocky will be a guest speaker at the Partlow Insurance Sports Breakfast at the Tolley Dental Zone in the James R. Wilkins, Jr. Athletic and Event Center on the campus of Shenandoah University.  The selection of Princesses to serve in the Court of Queen Shenandoah XCVII for the 2024 Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival® has been announced by festival officials. The princesses include Rachel Marie Foltz, Ariel Lynn Helmick, Madison Shae Ruff, Teresa Claire Schloemer, and Noelle Caroline Whalen.  Rachel Foltz is the daughter of Pamela & Jeff Foltz of Cross Junction, VA. She is the granddaughter of Lou Foltz of Winchester, VA, and the late Janice Kingree, Brown Kingree Sr., and Fay Ganteel. She is a senior at James Wood High School, representing The Virginia Horticultural Society. Rachel is an honor roll student, a member of the National Honor Society, and Future Farmers of America (FFA). She enjoys the outdoors, spending time with family and friends as well as working on her family’s farm. Rachel hopes to pursue a career in agriculture.  Ariel Helmick is the daughter of Melissa Helmick and stepdaughter of Daniel Copenhaver, Jr. of Winchester, and the daughter of the late Jason McBride. She is the granddaughter of Robin and Michael Frank of Cross Junction, Donald Lee McBride Sr. of Winchester, and the step-granddaughter of Rhonda and Daniel S. Copenhaver Sr. of Winchester. Ariel is a junior at Huntingdon College in Montgomery, AL majoring in psychology and criminal justice. She is a member of the Indoor Volleyball and Beach Volleyball team, for which she was nominated Rookie of the Week for Collegiate Conference of the South. She is also a member of the Chi Omega (Lambda Kappa) Sorority and a representative of the Student Athlete Advisory Committee. She is a 2022 graduate of Millbrook High School where she received recognition for K-12 perfect attendance. She was a member of the varsity volleyball team and was named to 1st Team All District, 1st Team All Regional, and 1st Team All Area. Ariel was a member of Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA), Distributive Education Clubs of America (DECA), Key Club, and the Homecoming Court. While in high school, she volunteered 100 hours in 1 year at the Boys and Girls Club of the Shenandoah Valley. In her free time, she enjoys hiking.  Madison Ruff is the daughter of Kimberly and Tobin Ruff of Leesburg, VA. She is the granddaughter of Judee and Michael Delancey of Leesburg, Valerie and Paul Dannels of Hamilton, MT, Jo Ruff of Las Vegas, NV, and the late Rueben Ruff. She is a senior representing Loudoun County High School. Madison is President of the Student Council, President of French Club, and a member of the National Honor Society and Science National Honor Society. She serves as the student representative to the Loudoun County School Board and is the Co-Founder and Co-President of the Black Student Union at Loudoun County High School. Madison’s community involvement includes service as the secretary of the Douglass Center community advisory board and helping with the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society Student Visionaries of the Year fundraiser. She works as a manager at Tuscarora Mill, pool lifeguard, and is a volunteer coach for U14, U15, and U16 volleyball teams.  Teresa “Tess” Schloemer is the daughter of Beth and Mark Schloemer of Winchester. She is the granddaughter of Wilhelmine Schloemer of Winchester, and the late Joanne and Robert Seale and Carl Schloemer. Tess is a junior at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech) where she majors in wildlife conservation. She attended the Classical Cottage Consortium and was homeschooled through her graduation in 2022. She was a Dean’s List student, a member of the Latin Honor Society, and captain of the Eukarya varsity soccer team. Tess was named a Governor’s Scholar and Outstanding Young Woman of the Year 2022 by Virginia Knights of Columbus Council. She has volunteered with the Work Camp for the Diocese of Arlington and Blue Ridge Center for Therapeutic Horsemanship. In her free time, she enjoys horseback riding, sewing, painting, and playing soccer.  Noelle Whalen is the daughter of Gabrielle and Michael Whalen of Berryville, VA. She is the granddaughter of Mary and Bill Veilleux of Winchester, Therese Lafond of Bogota, NJ, Carol Whalen of West Barnstable, MA, and the late John Lafond and William Whalen. She is representing the Clarke County Ruritan Club and is a junior at Clarke County High School. She is a member of the varsity soccer team, varsity swim team, varsity cheer team, and varsity tennis team. She serves as president of the Dairy Club, is a member of the Future Farmers of America (FFA), the 4 H Club, and Distributive Education Clubs of America (DECA). Noelle hopes to pursue nursing after graduation. The Princesses will accompany Queen Shenandoah XCVII and her Court to all Festival functions throughout the 97th Festival scheduled for April 26 to May 5, 2024. They will participate in the Coronation of Queen Shenandoah presented by Morgan Orthodontics on Friday, May 3, 2024, at 1:30 p.m. at John Handley High School. They will attend the Queen's Ball and Dance Party Presented by Insurance Center of Winchester, to celebrate the coronation of Queen Shenandoah XCVII on Friday, May 3rd at 8:30 pm at The George Washington Hotel Grand Ball Room. They will ride on the Royal Float in the Glo Fiber Grand Feature Parade scheduled at 1:30 p.m., Saturday, May 4, 2024.
 The selection of Princesses to serve in the Court of Queen Shenandoah XCVII for the 2024 Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival® has been announced by festival officials. The princesses include Jo-Elle Eileen Chesson, Jordyn Alexis Hansbrough, Hailey Marie Johnson, Ashley Anne McGuire, and Samantha Rose Stevens.  Jo-Elle Chesson is the daughter of Patricia and Tos Chesson of Acworth, GA. She is the granddaughter of Mary Washington of New York City, NY, Moses Yarssah, Teresa Johnson Gildersleeve, and Joseph J.F. Chesson all of Monrovia, Liberia. She is the goddaughter of Eileen Caldwell of Berryville, VA. She is a freshman at Columbus State University majoring in biology. She is a member of the African Association Club. Jo-Elle is a 2023 graduate of Allatoona High School where she was a member of the Diversity Club and the Minority Representation Association (MRA). Jo-Elle was active with the Grace Lutheran Church Youth Group in Winchester.  Jordyn Hansbrough is the daughter of Jennifer and John Hansbrough of Winchester, VA. She is the granddaughter of Roberta Ziemer of Wintersville, OH, Luke Wilson of Carrollton, OH, Faye and Robert Hansbrough of Rockingham, VA, and the late Robert Ziemer. A freshman at James Madison University, Jordyn majors in media art and design with a creative advertising concentration. She is a 2023 graduate of Millbrook High School where she was an active member of Distributive Education Clubs of America (DECA) all four years, earning Vice President of Marketing 2023, International Career Development Conference Emerging Leader 2022, Junior Leader of Marketing in 2021, International Career Development Conference Qualifier 2021, and International Career Development Conference Certified Gold for Millbrook’s School Based Enterprise. While attending Millbrook, she was also a member of the Key Club and National Honor Society. In 2023, Jordyn was the Quota International of Winchester Scholarship Recipient, Winchester Host Lions Club Scholarship Recipient, and the Shenandoah Valley Electric Cooperative Scholarship Recipient.  Hailey Johnson is the daughter of Heather and Jeffery Johnson of Rappahannock, VA. She is the granddaughter of Nancy Parker of Watertown, NY and Lori Johnson of Duluth, MI. She is a junior representing Shenandoah University where she majors in biology. She is a member of Sigma Rho Delta and Leadership and Educational Development (LED) Fellows as well as a head orientation leader and first year seminar mentor. Hailey is a 2021 graduate of Clover Hill High School and enjoys dancing. She has a special interest in becoming a pediatric physician assistant.  Ashley McGuire is the daughter of Susan and James McGuire of Winchester. She is the granddaughter of Jeanette and Sam Garst of The Villages, FL, Joan McGuire of Arlington, VA, and the late James F. McGuire. She is a first-year student at The University of Virginia where she is majoring in public policy. She is a member of the Club Competition Cheer Team and Younglife. Ashley is a 2023 Millbrook High School graduate who served as President of her class sophomore, junior, and senior years. She was a four-year varsity cheerleading letter recipient and served as cheer captain as well as receiving first team all-district for competition cheer. Ashley was a member of the National Honor Society and District Choir. She was a recipient of the Pioneer award, Sportsmanship award, and Character award during her time spent in varsity athletics. She was a member of Fellowship of Christian Athletes and Millbrook High School’s Younglife. She participated in several high school theater productions and acted in Shenandoah University summer music theater for three years.  Samantha Stevens is the daughter of Andrea and Donald Stevens of Winchester. She is the granddaughter of Darlene and Paul Stevens of Ocean Pines, MD and the late Rose and Stacy Reeves. She is a freshman at Virginia Tech majoring in interior design. She is a member of Alpha Delta Pi Sorority. Samantha is a 2023 graduate of John Handley High School where she was a varsity letter recipient in girls soccer her junior and senior year. She was also a Handley Scholar for 2022 and 2023. The Princesses will accompany Queen Shenandoah XCVII and her Court to all Festival functions throughout the 97th Festival scheduled for April 26 to May 5, 2024. They will participate in the Coronation of Queen Shenandoah presented by Morgan Orthodontics on Friday, May 3, 2024, at 1:30 p.m. at John Handley High School. They will attend the Queen's Ball and Dance Party Presented by Insurance Center of Winchester, to celebrate the coronation of Queen Shenandoah XCVII on Friday, May 3rd at 8 pm at The George Washington Hotel Grand Ball Room. They will ride on the Royal Float in the Glo Fiber Grand Feature Parade scheduled at 1:30 p.m., Saturday, May 4, 2024.
 More than 150 people cheered on contestants at Saturday night’s Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival’s 2024 Miss In & Out of Town Honorary Fire and Rescue Chief Pageant.
The title of Miss In-Town was given to Averie Vaughn Arnica, 17, sponsored by Stephens City Volunteer Fire and Rescue, who will lead the Firefighters Parade in the Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival on May 3. Averie’s ambition is to attend college to pursue a career in Occupational Therapy. Jordyn McKenzie Brown, 18, was selected from a field of five as the 2024 Miss Out of Town Honorary Fire Chief. She represents Elkton Fire Company in Berryville. Jordyn plans on finishing her last year at Blue Ridge Community College and then would like to attend Cosmetology school and one day open her own salon. The annual contest, held at Daniel Morgan Middle School, put the contestants through categories ranging from Dress for Success, or business-wear, and gowns to sharing a personal statement about their ambitions and how they represent their fire company. During the pageant, the contestants are escorted on and off the stage by representatives from their respective fire companies. The Miss In-Town runner-up went to 18-year-old Aspen Skyy Roderick, who represented Clear Brook Volunteer Fire and Rescue. Lily Grace Carlisle, 18, representing John H. Enders Fire Company in Berryville, VA was named the Miss Out of Town runner-up. In Town Contestants Amelia Robbins, Greenwood Volunteer Fire and Rescue Averie Arnica, Stephens City Volunteer Fire and Rescue Sydney Sours, Gainesboro Volunteer Fire and Rescue Kaitlyn Breeden, Middletown Volunteer Fire and Rescue Aspen Roderick, Clear Brook Volunteer Fire and Rescue AnnaKatherine James Curren, Gore Volunteer Fire and Rescue Out of Town Contestants Abigayle Fluharty, Shepherdstown Fire Company Jordyn Brown, Elkton Fire Department Lily Carlisle, John H. Enders Fire Company Taylor Sealock, Front Royal Fire and Rescue Faith Sisler, Woodstock Fire and Rescue Company Contest co-chair Sarah Frey said the number of contestants was larger than previous years. “We saw a dip in participation from contestants and attendance in the audience during COVID, but we are now thrilled to see numbers of participants growing and more representation from more fire companies.” Co-chair Kelly Menk added, “This year’s participants represented their fire companies well and made it very difficult for the judges to pick the winners! They were passionate about giving back and inspired to do good work and help their community.”  The selection of Princesses to serve in the Court of Queen Shenandoah XCVII for the 2024 Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival® has been announced by festival officials. The princesses include Skylar C. Brown, Caroline Wellington Drummonds, Emma Alexis Drummonds, Lily Eleanor England, and Brigid Grace McCarthy.  Skylar Brown is the daughter of Gena Johnson and Travis Brown both of Gerrardstown, WV. She is the granddaughter of Cynthia Johnson of Colorado Springs, CO, Janet and Duane Brown of Gerrardstown, and the late Charles Johnson. She is a senior at Marshall University majoring in environmental science. She serves as president of the Sustainability Club and vice president of the University’s Chapter of The American Fisheries Society. She is also a member of the Collegiate Society of Black Scholars, Phi Kappa Phi Honors Society, and the National Collegiate Society of Leadership and Success (NSLS). She is on the Marshall University President’s/Dean’s lists and serves as a resident advisor. Skylar is also a Board Member of the national non-profit organization Post Landfill Action Network. She is active in her community by supporting the less fortunate as well as volunteering at food banks, shelters, and soup kitchens. Skylar is a 2021 graduate of Musselman High School. She will be working for the US Forestry Service after graduation as a forestry technician.  Caroline Drummonds is the daughter of Beth and Chuck Drummonds of Winchester, VA. She is the granddaughter of Janet Riddick and Haley Drummonds both of Winchester, and the late Earl Riddick and Roy Drummonds. She is a senior at West Virginia University majoring in business marketing. She is actively involved in the John Champers Business College Peer Mentor Program and PAWS WVU. Caroline is a member of Women in Business and is a recipient of the John Chambers College Business Scholarship. She is a 2021 graduate of John Handley High School. Her mother, Beth Drummonds, served as a princess in the court of Queen Shenandoah LXII, Emily Sikking.  Emma Drummonds is the daughter of Beth and Chuck Drummonds of Winchester. She is the granddaughter of Janet Riddick and Haley Drummonds both of Winchester, and the late Earl Riddick and Roy Drummonds. She is a senior at Radford University graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Business Management and Marketing. She is an ambassador for the Davis College of Business and Economics, a member of Delta Sigma Pi, serving as Chancellor, and is active in the College Mentor for Kids program. Emma is a 2021 graduate of John Handley High School. Her mother, Beth Drummonds, served as a princess in the court of Queen Shenandoah LXII, Emily Sikking.  Lily England is the daughter of Amy and Robert England of Winchester. She is the granddaughter of Bob Mahrenholz of Tullahoma, TN and the late Melba Mahrenholz, Kazuko England, and Robert England. She is a second-year student at The University of Virginia majoring in kinesiology with a minor in data science. She is a member of Chi Alpha campus ministry and took a gap year during the 2022-2023 school year to serve on a mission trip to South Africa, Belize, Costa Rica, and Cuba. Lily is a 2021 graduate of John Handley High School where she was a four-year varsity letter recipient for Cross Country and served as captain her senior year. She was a member of the National Honor Society, the student representative on the Winchester Public Schools School Board, and earned her private pilot license.  Brigid McCarthy is the daughter of Megan and Douglas McCarthy of Front Royal, VA. She is the granddaughter of Mariah McCarthy of Winchester, and the late R. Edward Costello, Beverley Costello, and Joseph McCarthy. She is a sophomore at Benedictine College where she is an art major and is enrolled in a pre-law track. She is a member of the yearbook committee. Brigid is a 2022 graduate of Chelsea Academy. She served as president of the student government as well as the Ballroom Dance Club and participated in the Yearbook and Journalism Club. She was also a four-year varsity volleyball letter recipient. The Princesses will accompany Queen Shenandoah XCVII and her Court to all Festival functions throughout the 97th Festival scheduled for April 26 to May 5, 2024. They will participate in the Coronation Ceremony to be held on Friday, May 3, 2024, at 1:30 p.m. at John Handley High School. They will attend the Queen's Ball and Dance Party Presented by Insurance Center Winchester, to celebrate the coronation of Queen Shenandoah XCVII to be held Friday, May 3rd beginning at 8 pm at The George Washington Hotel Ball Room. They will ride on the Royal Float in the Grand Feature Parade scheduled to begin at 1:30 p.m., Saturday, May 4, 2024.
The In-Town and Out-of-Town Miss Honorary Fire and Rescue Chief Contest will be held at 7 p.m. Saturday at Daniel Morgan Middle School in Winchester. The contest, where local fire companies are represented by a young lady aged 16 – 21, is one of the longest running Apple Blossom events. Tickets are $5 at the door. Cash and credit cards will be accepted. The 2024 In-Town Contestants
The 2024 Out-Of-Town Contestants
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About UsThe Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival®, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization dedicated to promoting the beauty of springtime and the apple blossoms in Virginia's Shenandoah Valley through events and initiatives that enhance community spirit and showcases our local agricultural heritage. Archives
April 2025
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