Next week, June 24-29, marks Miss Virginia Week 2024 in Roanoke. The pageant has been held in the Star City since 1953—at first in the ballroom at the Hotel Roanoke, later at the American Theatre, and now at the Berglund Center.
The Miss Virginia organization is a scholarship organization, awarding more than $75,000 in 2023 to Miss and Outstanding Teen candidates. Miss Virginia 2023 was awarded over $22,500.
This is a very special year for the pageant with the scheduled appearance of Miss America, Madison Marsh, during pageant week.
This year there are 25 young women in the pageant competing for the Title of Miss Virginia 2024 in a process which involves a private interview with discussion of the contestant’s Community Service Initiative (platform), fitness, talent, evening wear, and an On-Stage question to answer. Talent may be a classic performing arts talent or the HER Story option—a 90-second personal story shared on-stage.
The winner will be crowned on June 29 after a week of special events and two nights of preliminary competitions.
Each participant has submitted a bio in brief, listing talent, education and career goals, and her service initiative, as well as sharing some interesting personal facts:
Miss Apple Blossom, Madison Marchant, is from Lebanon, Virginia. Her talent is clogging. Her Community Service Initiative is M.A.D.D.I.E.S. (Making Awareness of Disabilities and Diseases Invisible to the Eye) Crown. She is currently a junior at Appalachian State University in the Pre-Law program studying Political Science. Her ambition is to obtain her law degree from the Appalachian School of Law; to practice civil law for a minimum of five years; and then begin a judicial campaign to become a judge in the state of Virginia.
Interesting facts: When I was 18 years old, I started my own business, Glam by Maddie, a professional makeup artistry for weddings, proms, and pageants. I’ve been competing in pageants since I was eight months old, now entering my 21st year of pageantry. In March, I was given the incredible opportunity to study abroad in Paris and Barcelona where I met international lawyers and business leaders to learn more about my future in the government.
Miss Arlington, Emily Kinsey, is from Richmond. Her talent is Ballet en Pointe and her CSI is “Better Than You Found It.” She is a graduate of the University of Alabama with a Master’s degree in Communication Studies. Her goal is to graduate from the University of Virginia School of Law and pass the bar exam.
Interesting Facts: Our family dog is named after Caressa Cameron, Miss America 2010, who is now my Miss Arlington sister; Miss America 2024, Madison Marsh, DM’ed me for my makeup routine. I took my own crown headshot in a photo booth on campus. I have served in Alabama’s Student Government Association for three years. I have appeared in episodes of “Inside Edition” and “FBI: Criminal Pursuit.” I attended a preschool for both traditional learners and children with varying abilities. I have conducted an independent study to develop recommendations for families and schools on supporting neurodivergent individuals. I participated in #BamaRush to become a member of Phi Mu where I served as assistant chairperson for our national philanthropy of Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals.
Miss Blue Ridge, Carlehr Swanson, is also from Richmond. Her talent is piano and vocals. Her CSI is “Bridging the Divide: Music is Unity.” She is a PhD student at the University of Virginia in Critical and Comparative Studies in Music. Her ambition is to obtain a doctorate in music and work in higher education as an administrator or professor.
Interesting facts: I serve as the director of the University of Virginia’s Historic Gospel Choir, Black Voices; host a weekly gospel radio show on 101.3 Jamz; won Loni Love’s “The Real Talk Show” Instagram live talent show; and was cast as an extra in the Apple TV series “Swagger.”
Miss Cardinal, Audrey Kate Taylor, is from Hanover. Her talent is Musical Theatre Vocal. Her CSI is “YouMatter: Eliminating the Stigma Associated with Mental Health.” Taylor is a senior at Montclair State University studying Musical Theatre with a minor in Communication Studies. Her goal is to perform on Broadway, in national/international tours/ and on cruise lines. Other ambitions are to become a voice actor, a vocal coach, and a news anchor.
Interesting Facts: I have never tried catsup; I believe everyone should watch the “Barbie” movie; I have a passion for fashion; I can rap the entire “Hamilton” soundtrack; I have relative pitch; I am certified in Mental Health First Aid, Diversity and Inclusion.
Miss Central Virginia, Gretchen Stenger, is from Charlottesville. Her talent is Musical Theatre Vocal. Her CSI is the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation. Stenger is a graduate of Bloomsburg University with a B.A. degree in journalism. Her goal as a journalist is to be able to do feature stories, sharing the stories of those without a voice.
Interesting Facts: I had brain surgery when I was five years old; I was diagnosed with Hashimoto’s disease at age six. I stayed the night on an aircraft carrier for the Navy, landing on the ship in a COD, and I shared the stories of sailors. I flew in a small plane with a UVA student for a news story. I have broken seven bones. I was a member of the first volleyball team at Bloomsburg University. I met Taylor Swift when I was 11.
Miss Chesapeake, Jadelyn Leonard, is from Bristol. Her talent is “HER Story.” Her CSI is “Helping Everyone At Risk Triumph Heart Disease.” She is a graduate of Virginia Highlands Community College with an Associate’s degree in Nursing, a graduate of East Tennessee State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing, and a student at East Tennessee State in the Nurse Practitioner Program. Her goal is to become a Cardiovascular Family Nurse Practitioner and establish her own medical clinic to provide individuals in rural and underdeveloped areas top-of-the-line cardiovascular care while assisting in the healthcare crisis of individuals not being able to afford/access healthcare.
Interesting Facts: I am employed as a Cardiovascular Intensive Care Unit Registered Nurse and serve as a charge nurse, allowing students to shadow me and learn the importance of cardiac health and providing top-of-the-line cardiac care. I received the Helen Napps Memorial Scholarship. I can save lives using a stool. I have partnered with Lifting Spirits, Improving Bodies, Feeding Souls, Transforming Lives (LIFT). I attended a skydiving event to raise money for homeless individuals battling addiction, and single mothers, children and survivors of domestic abuse. I have traveled thousands of miles in my car, traveling the Commonwealth of Virginia to become the best candidate for the job of Miss Virginia. I am wearing an evening gown that was tried on by Carrie Underwood.
Miss Coastal Virginia, Irelin Ruppel, is from Blue Ridge. Her talent is gymnastics and acrobatics. Her CSI is “Tell Her She’s Strong.” She is a junior at Hollins University, majoring in International Relations and Business. Her goal is to obtain her Master’s Degree in International Relations with a double major in Business, and obtain a job as a foreign service officer/ diplomat for the US government.
Interesting Facts: Ruppel participated in competitive gymnastics for eight years. She traveled to Zambia on a mission trip. She is learning to speak German and is a Prom Stylist. She participated in a summer research program doing graduate work as an undergraduate student. She is part of Hollins University’s “All the Rage” event and the Read Mountain Swim Club.
Miss Commonwealth, Alexia Williams, is from Charlottesville. Her talent is Musical Theatre Vocal and her CSI is “STAR Successful Training of Adult Responsibilities.” Williams is a graduate of Liberty University where she completed Interdisciplinary Studies in Communication and Theater Arts: Performance, with minors in business, criminal justice, and Digital Media Arts: Performance. Her goal is to become a full-time anchor/reporter for CBS19 News and FOX Virginia News, and to obtain her juris doctorate and become a legal correspondent in broadcast news.
Interesting Facts: I sing in nine languages. My friends call me the “Dolphin Whisperer.” I landed out at sea on a U.S. aircraft carrier and became a “certified tail-hooker” by the Navy during my time as a “Sailor for a Day.” I am the oldest of five and a collector of “useless facts.” I am related to George Washington and other historical figures, and I’m a very dedicated dog mom.
Miss Crooked Road, Savannah Holland, is from Axton. Her talent is jazz dance and her CSI is “Right Med, Right Bed, Advocating against Nursing Home Neglect.” She is a graduate of Central Virginia Community College where she studied Phlebotomy and of Roanoke Technical College, where she studied Cosmetology. Her goal is to become a licensed real estate broker for life, health, auto, and fire policies.
Interesting Facts: I grew up on a strawberry farm. My interview dress and earrings are 30 years old and were worn by my mother when she participated in pageants. I was born with multiple extra bones in my right foot, resulting in reconstructive surgeries. I hunt whitetail deer, donating all of the meat to the local homeless shelters due to my disorder called Alpha-gall. I was in a Mountain Dew commercial at my hometown’s Nascar Racetrack. I enjoy fishing late evenings in spring into summer, and I volunteer at Edwards Adult Day Care.
Miss Dominion, Annemarie Cake, is from Arlington. Her talent is Irish Step Dance and her CSI is “Dancing Through Words.” She is a graduate of the University of Virginia with a Bachelor of Arts in American Politics, and a minor in Dance. Her goal is to obtain a Master’s Degree in Public Policy and become a congresswoman, advocating for social issues.
Interesting Facts: In high school, I participated in an all-girls Firefighter Summer Camp for the Arlington County Fire Department. I was the only student in my graduating class at the University of Virginia to receive my Bachelor of Arts degree in American Politics with a Dance Minor.
Miss Fauquier, Sedora Booker, is from Lynchburg. Her talent is the “Spoken Word.” Her CSI is “Leaving a Legacy Behind.” She is a graduate of Liberty University with a degree in Applied Psychology. Her goal is to obtain a Doctor of Psychology degree (PsyD) in Clinical Psychology and become a Sports Psychologist for the NFL; and to help further the science behind CTE (Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy).
Interesting Facts: I started my nonprofit at the age of 19, Runway Model. I am a former Miss Virginia State University 2nd Attendant (Miss Orange and Blue), a football fanatic, and I love public speaking. I plan to write and publish a children’s book by next year. I love to draw and want to become an artist.
Miss Greater Richmond, Kelsey Wilson, is from Fredericksburg. Her talent is Musical Theatre Vocal. Her CSI is “End the Stigma: Fighting to End Suicide.” Wilson is a junior at Randolph-Macon College, studying Biology, with a minor in Chemistry. Her goal is to become a Doctor of Medicine and board-certified neonatologist and OB/GYN.
Interesting Facts: I’m wearing some of my own handmade jewelry. I can play four instruments. I am 50% Venezuelan. I have donated my hair three times. I am a member of the RMC Equestrian team, Kappa Alpha Theta, Alpha Phi Omega (Vice President of Service), and Beta Beta Beta. I have taken 12 service-oriented mission trips in West Virginia, North Carolina, and Virginia; and I have met and worn the crown of Miss America 2010, Caressa Cameron Jackson.
Miss Hampton-Newport News, Rosie Hartwell, is from Alexandria. Her talent is tap dancing, and her CSI is “The Piggy Bank Project: Financial Literacy Awareness.” Hartwell is a graduate of the University of Virginia with a Bachelor of Arts in Media Studies. Her goal is to obtain an MBA in Finance from the University of Virginia’s Darden School of Business.
Interesting Facts: I placed in a pie eating competition. I am a member of the Alexandria True Crime Club and Singles Matchmaker for the UVA DC Alumni Club. I have traveled over 1300 miles as Miss Hampton-Newport News. I held the Women’s Indoor Shotput record at my high school for nine years.
Miss Loudoun County, Breana Turner, is from Aldie, Virginia. Her talent is Classical Piano, and her CSI is “Being HealthyHer by Improving Health Communication.” Turner is a 3rd Year PhD Student at Virginia Tech, studying Translational Biology, Medicine, and Health. Her goal is to become a professor of public health and a contributor on CNN for health and maternal health topics.
Interesting Facts: I’m blogging my PhD journey on social media via #PrincessAndThePhD and co-authoring a book. I can change a car tire in under 5 minutes. I have ridden over 80 roller coasters. I collect hotel room keys and family jewelry pieces. I’m an expert Google searcher. I went on a family road trip with four generations of women. I’m a proud AKA. I gave my first Ted Talk in high school. I judged at Miss Loudoun County’s “brother pageant” Mr. Leesburg; and I am paying it forward by mentoring several minority pageant contestants.
Miss Lynchburg, Susanna Shedd, is from Chesapeake. Her talent is the cello, and her CSI is “M.E.D.S. – Medical Emergency Doctor Shortages.” She is a sophomore at the University of Lynchburg studying Biomedical Science. Her goal is to obtain her Bachelor of Science degree in Biomedical Science and pursue a career as a Neonatal Physician’s Assistant.
Interesting Facts: I’m a barista at Mission House coffee. I met Miss America 2023, Grace Stanke, at Randolph College’s SciFest. I volunteer weekly at the Free Clinic of Central Virginia. I am one of eight children and I have been a vegetarian for four years. I buy most of my clothing second-hand. I am a Sunday School and Nursery leader at Harvest Assembly and Gospel Community Church. I have a current TikTok following of almost 21K.
Miss Martinsville-Henry County, Jenna Adams, is from Bassett. Her talent is “HER Story.” Her CSI is “Tiny Tummies.” She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies with a minor in Early Childhood Education from Longwood University, and her Master’s degree in Child Psychology from Liberty University. Her goal is to own her own mental health counseling service facility for children.
Interesting Facts: I achieved my Associate’s Degree while still in high school. I am known as the “child whisperer” at my Learning Center.
Miss Northern Virginia, Madison Whitbeck, is from Leesburg. Her talent is Musical Theatre Vocal, and her CSI is “The Power of the Performing Arts.” She is a sophomore at Belmont University majoring in Music Performance. Her goal is to obtain a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree and win a Tony Award for “Best Actress in a Musical” by portraying Elle Woods in “Legally Blonde” on Broadway.
Interesting Facts: I’ve performed in more than 30 shows and attended more than 40 concerts. I am a black belt in Tae Kwon Do. I performed the National Anthem at a professional rugby match. Both of my little sisters are my Little Sisters in Virginia’s Stars program. I met my idol, Kristen Chenoweth. I am a novice impressionist. I am learning Italian, French, and Polish for classical opera training.
Miss Piedmont Region, Heather Gailo, is from Macungie, Pennsylvania. Her talent is Classical Ballet, and her CSI is “Post-Secondary Pathways and Readiness.” She is a junior at George Mason University, majoring in Accounting and Business Analytics. Her goal is to obtain a graduate degree in Business Analytics and partner at a Big 4 accounting firm.
Interesting Facts: I’m a paper quilling artist. I have competed in two half-marathons and a mud run and I swam with Katie Ledecky and Peter Vanderkaay.
Miss Roanoke Valley, Grace Pfleger, is from Roanoke. Her talent will be an Operatic Vocal. Her CSI is “Music is Therapy: Promoting a Profession and Passion.” She is a graduate of Radford University with a Master’s in Music Therapy. Her goal is to be an opera singer and music therapist who shares her voice in the most intimate therapeutic settings and on the world’s greatest stages.
Interesting Facts: I’m a juggler and a huge fan of SpongeBob SquarePants. I sign my name with a (G) treble clef; play guitar, piano, and percussion; and I speak fluent German.
Miss Skyline Drive, Aariyana Britton, is from Sussex County, Virginia. Her talent is “HER Story.” Her CSI is “Project Prevention.” She is a graduate of Averett University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biomedical Sciences. She earned a Master’s of Science Degree in Biology and Biomedical Sciences from Liberty University and is currently working on her Doctor of Health Sciences at Liberty. Her goal is to become the director of Public Health and Safety; to own a Healthcare Consulting business; and to become a coordinator of Healthcare Services.
Interesting Facts: I taught myself how to ice skate at the age of 21. I am a Hot Yoga instructor. I read at least 2 books a week of different genres. I love fashion and get 90% of my clothing from secondhand and thrift stores. I conducted a youth camp for children ages 7-15 where the kids snuck in slime, phones, and Wi-Fi boxes.
Miss Southside Virginia, Madison Cruz, is from Hampton. Her talent is Classical Piano and her CSI is “Feel Something? Say Something! The Devastating Effect of Unrecognized, Undiagnosed,and Untreated Depression and Substance Abuse.” She is a senior at Virginia Commonwealth University, working towards her Bachelor of Science degree in Biology, with a minor in Chemistry and Psychology. Her goal is to earn a Master’s of Medicine degree and become a pediatric psychiatrist.
Interesting Facts: I’ve performed over 1,000 hours of community service (VA, VCU, Free Clinic, Retirement Homes). I studied abroad in Italy last Fall. I am a Soprano in VCU Choral Arts Society and Vox Concordia; a dancer/theater actress in Filipino Americans Coming Together (FACT); a Virginia Federation Piano Gold Cup winner, and a self-taught ukulele player. I am a tennis MVP. I love to travel, and have visited 19 countries.
Miss Tidewater, Megan Frick, is from Albemarle, North Carolina. Her talent will be a Pop Vocal. Her CSI is “Accessible Health Services, Resources, and Healthcare Empowerment for Everyone.” She is a graduate of Old Dominion University with a Doctoral in Physical Therapy. Her goal is to complete post-doctoral certified training to add “NCS” after her name; to become a director of a therapy clinic; and to obtain a PhD in Public Health.
Interesting Facts: I received a D1 football scholarship. I was adopted in 2019 and now have two younger siblings. I am a member of the Virginia Medical Reserve Corps. I bring a crocheted potato to every pageant.
Miss Virginia Dogwood, Johanna Pearson, is from Strasburg. Her talent will be “HER Story.” Her CSI is “The Sparkle Challenge.” She is a graduate of Liberty University, with a Bachelor of Science in Fashion Merchandising and Marketing. Her goal is to expand her own business, Cherry on Top Boutique, across the state.
Interesting Fact: I painted the door of my storefront bright pink.
Miss Williamsburg, Taylor Curro, is from Carrolton, Virginia. Her talent will be “HER Story” and her CSI is “Just a Moment of Your Time.” She is a senior at the University of Virginia, studying Psychology and Statistics, with a concentration in Biostats. Her goal is to take a 1 to 2 year post-baccalaureate job, hopefully in a research position and to obtain her PhD in either clinical or developmental psychology
Interesting Facts: I have Type II Narcolepsy, which is a sleeping disorder (but I don’t let it hold me back). I’m a research assistant at the UVA Baby lab where I am currently helping a graduate student with her dissertation about brain and behavior connections. I’m the External Relations Officer of UVA’s Comics and Animation Club.
Miss York County, Ashley Purcella, is from Albuquerque, New Mexico. Her talent is Ballet en Pointe. Her CSI is “Spring into STEM, Empowering Women through Outreach and Mentorship.” She is a graduate of the University of Alabama with a Bachelor of Science in Architectural Engineering and a minor in Construction Engineering. She also has a Bachelor of Arts in French, with a minor in Mathematics.
While currently working in the mission-critical industry, her goal is to work in historical restoration where she can focus on preserving and reimagining buildings within the community; and to obtain a Master’s Degree in Engineering Management.
Interesting Facts: I grew up in Albuquerque; I’m no stranger to spice–I love all things chilé, especially tamales and chilé rellenos. During my first construction project, I got to sign my name on the building during a construction tradition called topping out. I have been speaking French for 10 years and studied abroad in Tours, France. I recently visited Thailand where I got to feed my favorite animals, elephants.
Tickets to the 2024 Miss Virginia events are available on the Miss Virginia website: www.missvirginia.org.
