Front Royal’s Elena Leasure Named a Princess in Queen Shenandoah XCVIII’s Court for 2025 Apple Blossom Festival

The Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival® has officially announced the selection of five accomplished young women to serve in the Court of Queen Shenandoah XCVIII for the 2025 Festival. These princesses will accompany the Queen to numerous events throughout the weeklong celebration, set to take place April 25 – May 4, 2025.

Representing the region’s outstanding students, athletes, artists, and leaders, the princesses named to the royal court are Kyleigh Rose Castleberry, Elena Clara Leasure, Sydney Nicholas Sardelis, Addison Leigh Sharp, and Lane Marie Sipe.

Kyleigh Rose Castleberry

Kyleigh Rose Castleberry

Kyleigh, a freshman at Laurel Ridge Community College, is pursuing studies in health sciences with a focus on nursing. A 2024 honors graduate of Sherando High School, she is a certified Nursing Assistant and patient care technician. Kyleigh volunteers her time at local homeless shelters and is the daughter of Jennifer Eliot of Stephens City and Randy Castleberry Jr. She is the granddaughter of Rosemarie and Richard Kozlowski of Winchester; Brenda Castleberry of Gerrardstown, WV; and the late Randy Castleberry, Sr.

Elena Clara Leasure

Elena Clara Leasure

Elena is a senior at Randolph-Macon Academy, where she has served as team captain of the varsity volleyball team, president of the Interact Club, and president of the Art Club. Her academic accolades include memberships in the National Honor Society, German and English Honor Societies, and being named a recipient of the 2024 William and Mary Leadership Award. An artist and community contributor, Elena has painted murals around Front Royal. She is the daughter of Michelle and Derrick Leasure of Front Royal, and the granddaughter of Louise and Jim Leasure of Newark, OH, and the late Martha and James Cantlebary.

Sydney Nicholas Sardelis

Sydney Nicholas Sardelis

Sydney is a freshman at James Madison University, where she studies justice studies. A 2024 graduate of John Handley High School, she was a Handley Scholar and member of the National Honor Society. She also served as wrestling manager and was the student representative to the John Handley High School Museum and Archives Committee, helping plan the school’s 100th anniversary celebration. She is the daughter of Anne Warren Sardelis and Nick Sardelis of Winchester, and granddaughter of Harriette and Dave Newsom of Lawrenceville, VA, and Sandy and Bill Sardelis of Winchester.

Addison Leigh Sharp

Addison Leigh Sharp

Addison is a senior at James Wood High School, dual-enrolled at Laurel Ridge Community College. She plays varsity lacrosse for Handley High School and serves as president of the James Wood Leo Club. A member of the National Honor Society, Addison is also an advocate for youth sports, volunteering with Shenandoah Valley Youth Lacrosse. She is the daughter of Mindy and Scott Sharp of Clearbrook, VA, and granddaughter of Kim and Mark Grove and Catherine Sharp, all of Winchester, and the late Gregory Kirby and Howard Sharp.

Lane Marie Sipe

Lane Marie Sipe

Lane is a junior at Shenandoah University, majoring in exercise science with minors in dance and psychology. She is a member of the Alpha Lambda Delta National Honor Society, Sigma Rho Delta dance fraternity, and the SU cheer team. Lane performed in numerous university dance concerts and traveled to London to perform in the New Year’s Day Parade. She is a Dean’s List honoree and 2022 graduate of Northeastern High School. Lane is the daughter of Sandy and Scott Sipe of York Haven, PA, and granddaughter of Kathryn Grove of York, Gary Shearer of Mount Wolf, and the late Kenneth Grove, Beverly Sipe, and Dale Sipe.

These five exceptional young women will participate in multiple Festival traditions, including the Coronation Ceremony of Queen Shenandoah XCVIII, to be held Friday, May 2 at 1:30 p.m. at John Handley High School. That evening, they will attend the Queen’s Ball and Dance Party, presented by the Insurance Center of Winchester, held at The George Washington Hotel Ballroom beginning at 8:30 p.m. On Saturday, May 3, they will ride in royal style on the Queen’s Float during the Glo Fiber Grand Feature Parade, which kicks off at 1:30 p.m.

As ambassadors of the Festival and representatives of their communities, these princesses will play a central role in this beloved Shenandoah Valley tradition, now entering its 98th year. The Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival continues to celebrate the region’s culture, service, and springtime spirit through this cherished royal tradition.