Festival Announces Selection of Princesses

​The selection of Princesses to serve in the Court of Queen Shenandoah XCVIII for the 2025 Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival® has been announced by festival officials. The princesses include Kyleigh Rose Castleberry, Elena Clara Leasure, Sydney Nicholas Sardelis, Addison Leigh Sharp, and Lane Marie Sipe.

​Kyleigh Rose Castleberry is the daughter of Jennifer Eliot of Stephens City, VA and Randy Castleberry Jr. She is the granddaughter of Rosemarie and Richard Kozlowski of Winchester, VA, Brenda Castleberry of Gerrardstown, WV, and the late Randy Castleberry, Sr. She is a freshman at Laurel Ridge Community College where she is pursuing studies in health sciences, specializing in nursing. Kyleigh graduated from Sherando High School with an honors diploma in 2024. She is a certified Nursing Assistant, patient care technician, and volunteers at homeless shelters in her free time. 

​Elena Clara Leasure is the daughter of Michelle and Derrick Leasure of Front Royal, VA. She is the granddaughter of Louise and Jim Leasure of Newark, OH and the late Martha and James Cantlebary. She is a senior representing Randolph-Macon Academy. Elena is a four-year varsity volleyball player, serving as team captain in 2023 and was the recipient of the volleyball coach’s award. She is a member of Honor Council and Interact Club, serving as the 2023-24 president and she currently serves as vice-president. She is a member of the German Honor Society, English Honor Society, National Honor Society, and is president of the Art Club. She is the 2024 recipient of the William and Mary Leadership Award. Elena enjoys reading and painting, and has painted murals in the Front Royal community. 

​Sydney Nicholas Sardelis is the daughter of Anne Warren Sardelis and Nick Sardelis of Winchester. She is the granddaughter of Harriette and Dave Newsom of Lawrenceville, VA and Sandy and Bill Sardelis of Winchester. She is a freshman at James Madison University majoring in justice studies. Sydney is a 2024 graduate of John Handley High School where she was a member of the National Honor Society, a Handley Scholar, and served as a wrestling manager. She was the student representative to the John Handley High School Museum and Archives Committee which aided in the planning of the activities for the 100th anniversary of John Handley High School. 

​Addison Leigh Sharp is the daughter of Mindy and Scott Sharp of Clearbrook, VA. She is the granddaughter of Kim and Mark Grove and Catherine Sharp, all of Winchester, and the late Gregory Kirby and Howard Sharp. Addison is a senior at James Wood High School, dual enrolled at Laurel Ridge Community College. She is a member of the Handley varsity lacrosse team. Addison is also a member of the National Honor Society and the James Wood Leo Club serving as president. Outside of school, Addison is involved in advocating for the sport of lacrosse and volunteers with Shenandoah Valley Youth Lacrosse. 

​Lane Marie Sipe is the daughter of Sandy and Scott Sipe of York Haven, PA. She is the granddaughter of Kathryn Grove of York, PA, Gary Shearer of Mount Wolf, PA, and the late Kenneth Grove, Beverly Sipe, and Dale Sipe. Lane is a junior representing Shenandoah University where she is majoring in exercise science and minoring in dance and psychology. She is a member of Alpha Lambda Delta National Honor Society, Sigma Rho Delta dance fraternity, the cheer team, Delight Ministry, and is a Dean’s List recipient. She has performed in many dance concerts with Shenandoah University and traveled to London for the New Year’s Day Parade with the Shenandoah cheer team. Lane is a 2022 graduate of Northeastern High School. 

The Princesses will accompany Queen Shenandoah XCVIII and her Court to all Festival functions throughout the 98th Festival scheduled for April 25th to May 4th, 2025. They will participate in the Coronation Ceremony to be held on Friday, May 2, 2025, 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 XCVIII to be held Friday, May 2nd beginning at 8:30 pm at The George Washington Hotel Ball Room. They will ride on the Royal Float in the Glo Fiber Grand Feature Parade scheduled to begin at 1:30 p.m., Saturday, May 3, 2025.​