WINCHESTER — The selection of princesses to serve in the court of Queen Shenandoah XCVII for the 2024 Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival has been announced by festival officials. The princesses include Berkley Ilise Bennett, Alexandra Grace Gluszak, Ella Leilani Kiesewalter, Hannah Grace Lloyd and Averi Grace Thomas.

• Berkley Bennet is the daughter of Candice and Erich Bennett of Luray. She is the granddaughter of Barbara and Charles Griffin of Littiz, Pennsylvania, and Eileen and Jon Bennett of Norfolk. She is a senior representing Randolph-Macon Academy. She is a varsity letter recipient in volleyball and basketball, serving as captain her junior and senior years. She serves as vice president of the Science National Honor Society as well as the Student Life Committee. Berkley is a member of Luray United Methodist Church and has participated in multiple community service projects.

• Alexandra “Alexa” Gluszak is the daughter of Jeanette and Thomas Gluszak of Winchester. She is the granddaughter of Mary and Ron Mater of Allegany, New York, Thomas D. Gluszak of Ashville, New York and the late Leslie Gluszak. Alexa is a senior representing John Handley High School. She has served for four years as the Class of 2024 Student Government vice president. Alexa was named as second team 4A All District for the varsity volleyball team and served as captain for the 2023-2024 season. She is a four-year A honor roll recipient and is the leader of the Class of 2024 project. Additional credentials include selection as the 2023 homecoming queen, coordinator of the INOVA blood drive and membership in the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.

• Ella Kiesewalter is the daughter of Abigail and Torsten Kiesewalter of Cross Junction. She is the granddaughter of Sandra Barr of Puerta Vallarta, Mexico, Christa Jamieson of Homberg, Germany, and the late Randy Barr and Ulrich Kiesewalter. Ella is a senior representing James Wood High School where she is an Honors/AP student. She is a member of the National Honor Society, a varsity letter recipient in cross country and track and was selected as the 2023 homecoming queen. Ella attends Compass Community Church.

• Hannah Lloyd is the daughter of Sarah Lloyd and Chad Lloyd, both of Winchester. She is the granddaughter of Carla and Tom Lettis of Virginia Beach and the late Charlotte and Joe Lloyd. She is a senior representing Millbrook High School where she has received academic honors. Hannah has served as treasurer of the National Honor Society, president of Educators Rising and is a member of the Millbrook High School Choral Department. She was named the sociology student of the year and participated in the 2023 homecoming court.

• Averi Thomas is the daughter of Kimberly and Darren Thomas of Stephens City. She is the granddaughter of Darlene and Robert Thomas of Johnstown, Pennsylvania, and the late Barbara and John Sherbondy. She is a senior representing Sherando High School where she served as senior class vice president, is a four-year honor roll recipient and member of the National Honor Society. Averi participated in the junior homecoming court and was named queen for her senior year. Averi is a varsity letter recipient for both soccer and basketball and is a student leader for the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. She is an officer for Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) and a national qualifier for FCCLA state conference. Averi is a member of the national honor society for 2023 and 2024. Averi participates on travel soccer for Blue Ridge United, travel basketball for Supreme Game Changers and is a member of the Victory Church youth ministry band.

The princesses will accompany Queen Shenandoah XCVII and her court to all festival functions throughout the 97th Festival scheduled for April 26 to May 5. They will participate in the coronation of Queen Shenandoah presented by Morgan Orthodontics on May 3 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 XCVII on May 3 at 8:30 p.m. at The George Washington Hotel Grand Ball Room. They will ride on the Royal Float in the glo fiber Grand Feature Parade scheduled at 1:30 p.m. May 4.