Milton Harvest Princess Pageant: A Tradition of Growth and Leadership
Each fall, the Milton community comes together to celebrate tradition, pride, and promise at the Milton Harvest Festival. Among its most cherished events is the Milton Harvest Princess Pageant, a celebration that highlights not just the charm, but the character, leadership, and community spirit of young women from across the Milton area.
For decades, the Pageant has provided a stage for high school students to showcase their talents, achievements, and aspirations. Beyond the crown, it is an opportunity for participants to grow in confidence, sharpen public speaking skills, and demonstrate a commitment to community service. Many contestants find that the preparation process, including writing speeches, practicing interviews, and volunteering locally becomes as valuable as the event itself.
The Milton Harvest Princess Pageant serves as a steppingstone for leadership. Contestants often go on to serve in college organizations, civic groups, and professional careers, drawing on the skills and poise they developed while competing. More importantly, the Pageant fosters a sense of belonging and pride, reminding participants that they are part of a caring community that values their voices and dreams.
In a world where young people often face pressure and uncertainty, the Milton Harvest Princess Pageant stands out as an affirming, encouraging experience. It reinforces the importance of service, scholarship, and self-confidence qualities that ensure Milton’s future is bright and that its best days lie just ahead.
By nurturing these young women, the Pageant continues to weave new leaders into the fabric of the Valley, one crown at a time.
Again, this year, I was invited to serve as a judge for the Princesses at 49th Annual Milton Harvest Festival. Seated to my right in the photo are Laura Kriger, who is with Keller Williams Real Estate; Hank Baylor, with the Susquehanna Valley Community Education Project; Angela Kelly Swartchick, a former Harvest Princess and Hughesville Area teacher; and Pam Brennan Burns, with the Citizens & Northern Bank.
Elleana McConnell
Congratulations to Elleana McConnell who was named the 2025 Milton Harvest Princess. Elleana was sponsored by the Milton Public Library.
Keturah Rice
Runner-up at the Pageant was Keturah Rice who was sponsored by the Milton Women’s Club.
Emily Bogle
This year’s Zechman Award, the Harvest Pageant equivalent of Miss Congeniality, was Emily Bogle. Emily was sponsored by the Montandon American Legion Post #841. The award is named in honor of the founders of the pageant.
