Shenandoah University first-year musical theatre student Kira Sledge ’28 is experiencing her first Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival in a unique way: as Miss Apple Blossom 2025. Sledge, who is from Houston, Texas, won the festival’s Miss Apple Blossom competition in October 2024 and is the official hostess for Winchester’s 10-day celebration. She’ll appear at various events, including the Hang 10 Car Wash Firefighters’ Parade on Friday, May 2, and the Glo Fiber Grand Feature Parade on Saturday, May 3.
Continue reading to learn more about this year’s Miss Apple Blossom.
Congratulations again on being crowned 2025 Miss Apple Blossom! How did it feel when you heard your name announced? Can you take us back to that moment? What were your initial thoughts and emotions after realizing you’d won?
Photos: Kimberly Needles
Hearing my name announced was truly a tremendous surprise. I vividly remember looking out into the crowd and seeing my best friends, Kyla and Lydia, cheering and clapping as I made my way to center stage to be crowned. Standing there in my blue gown, surrounded by such incredible young women, I felt a deep sense of contentment, regardless of the outcome.
With limited experience in the pageant world, I approached this opportunity as a meaningful step outside of my comfort zone. It was a chance to grow, to try something new, and to embrace the unknown. I knew I would walk away proud of myself no matter what.
In the moments immediately following the announcement, time seemed to stand still. The only thing running through my mind was overwhelming gratitude. The support I felt from the girls on stage, my friends in the audience, and the judges – who stood in applause – was truly moving. It’s a moment I’ll never forget, and one that has had a lasting impact on my freshman year at Shenandoah. I’m beyond thankful for this experience and for everyone who made it so meaningful!
What inspired you to participate in the Miss Apple Blossom Competition?
During my first week at Shenandoah University, a close friend asked if I had ever participated in pageants and introduced me to the Miss Apple Blossom organization. As I learned more, I was not only inspired by the meaningful community outreach and unique opportunities the Miss Apple Blossom competition offers, but also by the generous scholarship awarded to the reigning queen. As many understand, the cost of higher education can be significant, so I am always seeking ways to ease the financial burden on my family, who already support me in countless ways! I’m forever grateful that the Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival organization was able to provide not only financial support, but also a platform to grow personally, serve the community, and represent something greater than myself!
You’re pursuing a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Musical Theatre at Shenandoah University. Can you tell us a bit about your student experience, and about how the program has impacted or influenced you so far? Are there any other programs or organizations on campus that you’re involved in?
I cannot praise Shenandoah Conservatory highly enough for the supportive environment, exceptional education, and incredible opportunities it has provided me – all within just my first academic year on campus! In this short time, I have experienced incredible personal and artistic growth, and I am profoundly grateful to the musical theatre faculty for recognizing my potential and granting me admission into such an amazing and rapidly rising program!
Thanks to ShenCo, I had the life-changing opportunity to travel to New York City for my very first Broadway callback, an experience I will never forget. In addition to my studies, I am actively involved in Alpha Psi Omega (the National Theatre Honor Society), have participated in events for SUrreal (a student choreography organization), and Hornets Nest (a student-run organization that produces a musical each semester).
Being surrounded every day by such passionate, driven, and immensely talented students and faculty has truly transformed my life. I could not imagine spending the next four years anywhere else, and I remain endlessly thankful to be part of this extraordinary community!
You’re an advocate for sustainable practices and policies. How do you hope to use this platform to raise awareness of environmental challenges and issues?
I believe the most effective way to advocate for the causes I care about is by starting at the local level and using the power of social media to educate and engage the public. I’m deeply passionate about addressing environmental challenges, as well as raising awareness around food insecurity, especially among students. I believe real change begins with the younger generation, and one of the most impactful ways to reach and inspire them is through thoughtful, engaging, and informative content online. The Earth and our students are the foundation of our future, and I am committed to using my voice and this platform – both as Miss Apple Blossom and potentially as Miss Virginia – to support and uplift these vital causes in every way I can!
As Miss Apple Blossom, you’ll represent the festival at the 2025 Miss Virginia Competition. How are you preparing for this next step, and what are your goals for that competition?
In preparation for Miss Virginia, I’m focusing on both the technical and mental aspects of the experience. On the performance side, I’m refining my walk, sharpening my interview skills, preparing for any onstage questions that may come my way, and rehearsing my talent to ensure I bring my very best to the stage. Mentally, I’m reminding myself to approach the process with grace and gratitude – simply being there is an incredible opportunity and a milestone in itself!
My primary goal is to make myself proud and to prove that I am capable of achieving great things, even while balancing the demands of being a full-time musical theatre student. I also hope to earn scholarship support through the competition, which would help ease the financial burden on my family, who have supported me so selflessly throughout this journey!
What are you most excited to see or experience at the Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival? Is there anything else you’d like the community to know about you?
What I’m most looking forward to at the Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival are the parades! It’s such a heartwarming experience to see friends, my Mum and Nonna, who are flying in from Texas and Canada, and people from all across the state come together to celebrate this incredible tradition! This is actually my very first Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival, so I’m especially excited to take it all in and fully enjoy everything the event has to offer!
As the official hostess of the 98th Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival, I want the community to know how truly honored I am to represent this cherished event. I encourage everyone to come say hello! One of my favorite parts of this role is connecting with others and celebrating the joy and beauty of community. Whether it’s a quick conversation or a photo together, I’d love to meet you!
Thank you so much for welcoming me with such warmth – wishing everyone a safe and unforgettable Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival. I can’t wait to see you there!
