Article written by Ainsley Hall and published in The Journal on October 19, 2026, link to article HERE.
Brinkley Miller was crowned Queen Pomona XLVII on Oct. 16, officially taking the role of the Mountain State Apple Harvest Festival (MSAHF) ambassador. Named after the Roman goddess of orchards, this title represents a long tradition that celebrates the agriculture industry in the Eastern Panhandle.
During the coronation ceremony, MSAHF President Mary Beth Blair reflected on how important agriculture is to the community. The orchards and farms throughout the Eastern Panhandle aren’t just an industry but part of its identity. This year the orchardists experienced a frost that destroyed most of their crop, but Blair said their resilience and commitment remain strong. Crowning Queen Pomona is a celebration of that heritage.
“This role is about far more than wearing a crown,” Blair said. “It’s an opportunity to represent the Mountain State Apple Harvest Festival, share our story and serve as an ambassador for the traditions and people that make this festival so special.”
MMiller was honored to take on such a special title. Daughter of Scott and Jennifer Miller, she is a senior at Hedgesville High School. This was the first time she’s been interviewed for a title like this, so she was incredibly honored to be chosen as Queen Pomona. To her this title is all about getting involved and showing how important this industry is to the community.
“I have been waiting for this moment ever since announcements,” Miller said. “It truly means the world to me to represent something so important to our community. Agriculture and our orchardists are some of the best people ever and they truly inspire me every day, so this really means a lot to me.”
Miller looks forward to impacting the youth, visiting schools and reading to them. She also hopes to inspire other kids her age to get involved and be a part of this beautiful tradition.
“I hope I encourage everybody to get involved and to support their neighbor and support our orchardists because they have been some of the strongest people this year,” Miller said. “The frost is not easy; losing your crop is not easy, but they still show up every day, and they preserve, and I think that’s something you can all look up to.”
Miller was joined by her court which included Maids Eliza McCarthy and Kara Ball, Princesses Alivia Degraw, Carrington Marpole, Marissa Cheshire, Regan Chancey, Ella Cogswell, Savannah Parker, Peyton Meske, Delayne Wilburn, Faith McDonald, Sarah Barr and Bailee Weidman, Junior Maidens Emersyn Dayhuff, Laci Walburn, Audrey Wehmeyer and Everley Fields, Crown Bearer Oaklee Rigers, Scepter Bearer Kennedy Butler, Train Bearer Thatcher Frankenberry and Court Jesters Noelle Butler and Ashton Kolb.