Miss Apple Blossom Volunteer and Miss Apple Blossom Teen Volunteer Crowned for 2026

The Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival® is pleased to announce the crowning of Olivia Escalante, 2026 Miss Apple Blossom Volunteer and Brilea Hamilton, 2026 Miss Apple Blossom Teen Volunteer. The competition took place this past Saturday evening, November 8 at Daniel Morgan Middle School. 

Olivia Escalante, a 24-year-old graduated in 2023 from Virginia Tech with a Bachelors in Geography and Minor in Meteorology. Escalante enjoys thrifting with friends, sewing and quilting, horseback riding and taking dance classes. 

Brilea Hamilton, a 14-year-old Broadway High School student, and plans to attend John Jay College of Criminal Justice and major in forensic psychology and minor in psychology and criminal justice. Hamilton is a competitive dancer, varsity competitive cheerleader and varsity gymnast. She is active in her church youth group and volunteers at Sunnyside Retirement Home. 

Olivia and Brilea will serve as official hostesses of the 99th Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival®, from April 24 through May 3, 2026.  They will make appearances at many festival events and participate as Festival royalty as they ride through the Firefighters’ Parade on May 1 and the Grand Feature Parade on May 2.

Both titleholders will go on to represent the Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival® at the 2026 Miss Virginia Volunteer Competition next summer in Lynchburg, VA.