When Lititz holds its 205th Fourth of July celebration on Friday, July 1, and Saturday, July 2, the 79th Queen of the Candles ceremony will be part of the festivities, and 12 local young women will vie for the crown. The crowning will be held on July 1 at 9 p.m. This year's contestants are Kayla Bennecoff, Ella Brechbill, Allison Keeney, Stella Longer, Grace Maclary, Morgan Metzler, Mia Perrotti, Kalysta Sauder, Maya Shirk, Leanna Strouse, Virginia "Ginny" Vance, and Chloe Zook. The flower girl will be Vera Housey, and the crown bearer will be Alastair Campbell.
Kayla is the daughter of Michael and Stephanie Bennecoff. At Warwick High School (WHS), she served as Spanish National Honor Society (SNHS) secretary. She also served as captain of the Warriorettes Dance Team. She plans to study psychology at Saint Joseph's University in the fall.
Ella is the daughter of David and Katrina Brechbill. At WHS, she was a varsity tennis player; vice present of Student Council; a member of the National Honor Society (NHS), National Art Honor Society (NAHS); and Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA). She was a regional winner title recipient of NCWIT Aspirations Award in Computer Science. Ella is active in her youth group at DOVE Westgate Church. In the fall, she plans to attend West Chester University to study graphic design.
Allison is the daughter of Robert and Wendi Keeney. At WHS, Allison was a distinguished honor roll student. She participated in Link Crew, PALS, NHS, and Student Council. Allison played volleyball and lacrosse. She plans to continue playing lacrosse at Lebanon Valley College, where she will study nursing.
Stella is the daughter of Bradley and Nikki Longer. At WHS, she participated in the Science Olympiad competitions and was involved in the Warwick music department in orchestra, String Synergy, and the spring musical. She served as president of Tri-M Music Honor Society and marching band percussion captain, and she was named to the Lancaster-Lebanon Musical Educators Association county orchestra. Stella was also a member of the NHS, SNHS, and she served on the literary magazine staff. In the fall, she plans to study biochemistry at Albright College.
Grace is the daughter of Scott and Christine Maclary. At WHS, Grace is a distinguished honor roll student and a member of NHS, and she played soccer. This summer, Grace will participate in a mission trip to Costa Rica with the Manheim Brethren in Christ Church youth group. In the fall, Grace will attend HACC, Central Pennsylvania's Community College, to become a dental hygienist.
Morgan, who is the daughter of Shaun Metzler and the late Michele Metzler, has been pursuing a degree in physical therapy at Central Penn College since the summer of 2021. She is active in the Colleges Against Cancer Club. She attends Lancaster Evangelical Free Church.
Mia is the daughter of Kelly Perrotti and Christopher Perrotti and stepdaughter of Eli Petroff. At WHS, Mia served as captain of the girls' lacrosse and cheerleading teams, coached Warwick youth cheerleading, and received the Team Spirit Award. Mia was selected to cheer in this year's Tri-County All Star Game. Additionally, Mia participated in Link Crew, Unite Club, PALS, and NAHS, and she attends St. James Catholic Church. In the fall, she plans to attend West Chester University to study early childhood education.
Kalysta is the daughter of Dustin and Jenelle Sauder. At WHS, Kalysta was a member of NHS and National Business Honor Society (NBHS). She served as vice president of the FBLA. She is a Leo Club member, and she has volunteered at Water Street Mission. Kalysta also played soccer. In the fall, she plans to attend West Chester University to major in accounting and minor in white collar crime.
Maya is the daughter of Julie and Mike Shirk. At WHS, Maya participated in girls' lacrosse, PALS, Link Crew, and NBHS. In the fall, she plans to attend Pennsylvania College of Technology to become a physical therapist assistant.
Leanna is the daughter of Adam and Angie Strouse. At WHS, she is a member of NHS, NBHS, and FBLA. She also served as secretary of Student Council and co-president of the Leo Club. Leanna played on the girls' lacrosse team and served as captain of the field hockey team. Leanna plans to attend the University of Pittsburgh to major in business.
"Ginny" is the daughter of Jeff and Julie Vance. At WHS, Ginny participated in unified track, PALS, and Unite Club. She plans to return to Warwick to pursue an internship in the field of child care. Ginny aided Sheila Hershey, the Warwick School District athletic trainer, after school and during athletic events. She is a youth group member at Grace Church.
Chloe is the daughter of Brian and Jacki Zook. At WHS, she was a member of Student Council, NHS, and SNHS. She served as captain of the girls' soccer team. She is a member of Grace Church. In the fall, she will attend Waynesburg University to play soccer and major in nursing.
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