Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival: Miss Honorary Fire Chief Pageant Results

More than 150 people cheered on contestants at Saturday night’s Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival’s 2024 Miss In & Out of Town Honorary Fire and Rescue Chief Pageant.

The title of Miss In-Town was given to Averie Vaughn Arnica, 17, sponsored by Stephens City Volunteer Fire and Rescue, who will lead the Firefighters Parade in the Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival on May 3. Averie’s ambition is to attend college to pursue a career in Occupational Therapy.

Jordyn McKenzie Brown, 18, was selected from a field of five as the 2024 Miss Out of Town Honorary Fire Chief. She represents Elkton Fire Company in Berryville. Jordyn plans on finishing her last year at Blue Ridge Community College and then would like to attend Cosmetology school and one day open her own salon.

Miss Out of Town, Jordyn McKenzie Brown, and Miss In Town, Averie Vaughn Arnica, Winners.

The annual contest, held at Daniel Morgan Middle School, put the contestants through categories ranging from Dress for Success, or business-wear, and gowns to sharing a personal statement about their ambitions and how they represent their fire company.

During the pageant, the contestants are escorted on and off the stage by representatives from their respective fire companies.

The Miss In-Town runner-up went to 18-year-old Aspen Skyy Roderick, who represented Clear Brook Volunteer Fire and Rescue.

Lily Grace Carlisle, 18, representing John H. Enders Fire Company in Berryville, VA was named the Miss Out of Town runner-up.

In Town Contestants

• Amelia Robbins, Greenwood Volunteer Fire and Rescue
• Averie Arnica, Stephens City Volunteer Fire and Rescue
• Sydney Sours, Gainesboro Volunteer Fire and Rescue
• Kaitlyn Breeden, Middletown Volunteer Fire and Rescue Aspen Roderick, Clear Brook Volunteer Fire and Rescue

Out of Town Contestants

• Abigayle Fluharty, Shepherdstown Fire Company
• Jordyn Brown, Elkton Fire Department
• Lily Carlisle, John H. Enders Fire Company
• Taylor Sealock, Front Royal Fire and Rescue
• Faith Sisler, Woodstock Fire and Rescue Company

Contest co-chair Sarah Frey said the number of contestants was larger than previous years. “We saw a dip in participation from contestants and attendance in the audience during COVID, but we are now thrilled to see numbers of participants growing and more representation from more fire companies.”

Co-chair Kelly Menk added, “This year’s participants represented their fire companies well and made it very difficult for the judges to pick the winners! They were passionate about giving back and inspired to do good work and help their community.”