Please act responsibly during this year’s Apple Blossom Festival

Dear Shenandoah students,

The city of Winchester and Shenandoah University are ready to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival when the 97th edition of the 10-day celebration kicks off tomorrow, April 26.

Those familiar with Apple Blossom will recognize many of the events on tap for this year’s festival. Mainstays such as the Firefighters’ and Grand Feature parades (the latter will feature an appearance by the SU Marching Band!), the Sports Breakfast, and the coronation of Queen Shenandoah highlight a full slate of festivities that run through The Bloom’s final day on Sunday, May 5. There is even an esports tournament hosted at SU’s Esports Arena this Sunday, April 28.

As always, Shenandoah University is celebrating the Apple Blossom season with its own on-campus events, including a Live Outdoor Mario Kart Race & Costume Contest on Monday, April 29, and its annual Blossom Bash on Friday, May 3. The winners of SU’s “Doors in Bloom” contest will also be announced on Monday. (Don’t forget – there are no classes on Friday, May 3!)

I hope that everyone has the opportunity to participate in the festivities taking place on campus and throughout the local community. I also want to take a moment to remind you that you’re expected to act responsibly and represent Shenandoah University in the best possible way.

Over the next 10 days, you’ll make choices about alcohol, drugs and your behavior. Please remember to follow the university’s Code of Conduct as well as local and state laws, and to serve as a model of good citizenship.

If you need help for yourself or others, the Department of Campus Safety (DCS) is available around the clock; please call 540-678-4444 for assistance. If you notice a student who is displaying behaviors that may get in the way of a student’s ability to be successful in the university environment, please fill out the Student of Concern form. If you are experiencing an emergency, please call 911.

I want to reiterate the importance of ensuring the safety of our campus and the larger Winchester community. This is not a time to harm yourself or others, or to put your good academic standing or career prospects in jeopardy. I hope you make wonderful, lasting memories at this year’s Apple Blossom, and I know that you will make good decisions and look out for each other.

Please enjoy this celebration of the spring season responsibly and safely, so that you can end the semester happily and healthily. To those of you preparing to graduate, we want to see all of you able to participate fully in your commencement ceremony on May 18. 

Thank you for continuing to demonstrate what it means to be a member of the Shenandoah family. Keep up the great work!

Dr. Sue O’Driscoll

Associate Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students