Morgan Elaina Holben is the daughter of Carolyn and Ronald Holben of Winchester, VA. She is the granddaughter of Susan and Stewart Masters of Winchester, Carolyn and John Barker of Clearbook, VA, and Peggy and Ronald Holben of Gerrardstown, WV. Morgan is a junior at Liberty University pursuing a degree in business administration and data analysis - healthcare management. She is a member of Women in Business, named to Liberty’s 2025 Dean’s List, and participated in women’s intramural soccer. Morgan is a 2025 graduate of Millbrook High School. She was a member of the Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA), where she served as treasurer and earned distinctions, including 1st Place at regional and state competitions for Visual Design. She also received the Frederick County Award of Excellence. Morgan was a member of the Millbrook Artist Collective, where her poetry and artwork were published, and her visual art was selected for display at the Frederick County School Board Office. She served as a Junior Class Officer, was inducted into the National Honor Society, and received the Pioneer Spirit Award. She lettered in both varsity soccer and swim and was also a member of Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA). Her academic honors include recognition by the Board of Education for Scholastic Excellence, Excellence in Civics Education, and Career and Technical Education. She completed the Laurel Ridge Community College Uniform Certificate of General Studies and earned a Certificate of Completion. Morgan’s community engagement includes volunteer service with the Johns Hopkins Pediatric Children’s Center, where she participated in an allergy research program. She received her most valued recognition by being selected as John Hopkins Pediatric Children’s Center Student Ambassador in 2023. She also volunteered with Navy Federal Credit Union, leading a community-inclusive art project that created painted ceiling tiles to brighten hospital recovery spaces.
Festival Announces Selection of Princesses
The selection of Princesses to serve in the Court of Queen Shenandoah XCIX for the 2026 Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival® has been announced by festival officials. The princesses include Morgan Elaina Holben, Paige Christine Linton, Izabella Grace O'Wade, Meghan Elizabeth Walker, and Carrie Hart Warner.
Paige Christine Linton is the daughter of Anne and Scott Linton of Winchester. She is the granddaughter of Kay Bennett of Winchester, Carey Linton of Frederick, MD, and the late Jess Betlack and Carol Linton. Paige is a fourth year at the University of Virginia (UVA), where she is pursuing a major in civil engineering with a minor in global sustainability. She is a member of Sigma Kappa sorority, University Dance Club (UDC), Catholic Hoos, American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), Society of Women Engineers (SWE), and the Civil Undergraduate Curriculum Committee, where she serves as class representative. Paige is a 2022 graduate of James Wood High School, where she graduated in the top ten of her class. She was a member of the National Honor Society, where she served as president, Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA), where she served as vice president, the varsity cheer team, where she served as co-captain, and the student council, where she served as treasurer for the Class of 2022. Paige was a member of the Youth Council at Braddock Street United Methodist Church (BSUMC), where she served as president. She was a dancer at Vostrikov’s Academy of Ballet for 13 years and Tari Jo’s Dance Studio for 1 year, trained in ballet, pointe, tap, jazz, lyrical, modern, hip-hop, acro, and Russian folk dance.
Izabella “Bella” Grace O'Wade is the daughter of Amy and Donald O’Wade Jr. of Stephens City, VA. She is the granddaughter of Christine Baker of Bayville, NY, Donald O’Wade Sr. of Stephens City, and the late Philip Baker and Donna O’Wade. Bella is a freshman at Laurel Ridge Community College, majoring in general studies. She is a 2025 graduate of Sherando High School, where she received two Warrior Pride Awards and a Career & Technological Education (CTE) Certificate of Appreciation. During high school, Bella also served as a manager for the volleyball team, a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA), and a Student Council officer. Bella attends Fellowship Bible Church, where she participates in the church choir. She is also employed at Chick-fil-A Pleasant Valley, where she works as a Training Lead.
Meghan Elizabeth Walker is the daughter of Diane and Mark Walker of Stephens City. She is the granddaughter of the late Martha Payne, Jack Payne, and Charles Walker. Meghan is a freshman at James Madison University (JMU), where she is pursuing a degree in business management. She is an active member of Women In Business (WIB). She is a 2025 graduate of Sherando High School. She was a 1-year varsity basketball letter recipient and 3-year varsity softball letter recipient, serving as captain during the spring 2025 season. Meghan was a member of the National Honor Society (NHS), Sherando chapter of FCA, and Distributive Education Club of America (DECA), serving as vice president of marketing for the 2024-2025 school year. She was a recipient of Academic Excellence Awards for maintaining a 3.5 GPA or higher during varsity athletic seasons. Meghan played travel softball for the Frederick County Flames from 2020 to 2023, the Front Royal Fire from 2023-2024, and ShenVal Swarm from 2024-2025.
Carrie Hart Warner is the daughter of Courtney and John Warner of Winchester. She is the granddaughter of Lani and Jim Hoben of Duluth, GA, and the late Julia Warner and Chuck Warner. Carrie is a sophomore at the University of South Carolina (UofSC), majoring in public relations with a double minor in law and society and history. She is a member of Delta Zeta sorority, where she served on the new member team and currently serves as the Membership Accountability Chair. She is also a UofSC University Ambassador Campus Tour Guide. Carrie is a 2024 graduate of Millbrook High School, where she was a member of the cross country team, NHS, serving as vice president, and the 2024 Prom Queen. She was a member of the Winchester chapter of Young Life.
The Princesses will accompany Queen Shenandoah XCIX and her Court to all Festival functions throughout the 99th Festival scheduled for April 24th to May 3rd, 2026. They will participate in the Coronation Ceremony to be held on Friday, May 1, 2026, 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 XCIX, to be held Friday, May 1st, beginning at 8:30 pm at the Winchester Country Club. They will ride on the Royal Float in the Glo Fiber Grand Feature Parade scheduled to begin at 1:30 p.m., Saturday, May 2, 2026.















