LEWISTOWN — The auditorium at Mifflin County Middle School in Lewistown shimmered with excitement Saturday as the 2026 Miss Central Pennsylvania Scholarship Competition brought poise, talent and community pride to Lewistown.

By the end of the program, five new titleholders were crowned, each earning the opportunity to advance to the Miss Pennsylvania Scholarship Competition later this year.

The event, part of the Miss America scholarship network, drew a strong field of candidates from across the region. Contestants competed in talent, evening wear and interview — categories designed to highlight academic achievement, artistic skill, personal initiative, and community service. The program continued its long-standing commitment to providing scholarship opportunities for young women throughout Central Pennsylvania.

The highlight came with the crowning of April Gable as the new Miss Central Pennsylvania. Gable’s performance across all phases of competition earned high marks from judges, who evaluated contestants on composure, communication and overall stage presence.

Currently enrolled in graduate school at Penn State, the 25-year-old Gable graduated from Mentor High School, located in Mentor, Ohio, in 2018. She then graduated from the University of Cincinnati in 2023.

Her talent was the baton and her community service initiative was “A Seat at the Table: Where Food is Familiar” to equip young adults and college students with tools to address hunger.

Gable’s selection capped a strong showing that reflected both preparation and confidence. As Miss Central Pennsylvania, she will represent the region at community events and prepare for the Miss Pennsylvania Scholarship Competition, where she will compete for additional scholarship awards and the chance to advance to Miss America.

Three additional regional crowns were awarded during the program, rounding out a strong group of representatives for the 2026 competition season. Lewistown native Abby Traxler was named Miss Greater Juniata Valley after delivering a polished performance that showcased her strengths across multiple phases of competition. Her consistency and stage presence helped set her apart in a competitive field.

Samantha Ross earned the title of Miss Freedom Forge, capturing the crown with a strong showing in both talent and interview. Her confidence and clarity in communication resonated with judges and audience members alike.

Finley Miller, a familiar face in the scholarship program, was crowned Miss MidState. Her experience and composure were evident throughout the afternoon, contributing to a well-rounded performance that impressed the judging panel.

A total of 13 contestants competed for the four titles.

“I was very pleased with my Miss numbers,” Miss Central Pennsylvania Scholarship Organization Executive Director Lisa Metzger said. “We had a nice crowd.”

In the teen category, Emily Francher was crowned Miss Central Pennsylvania Teen and Lydia Peters is the new Miss MidState Teen.

This year’s competition featured a wide range of talents, including vocal performances, dance, instrumental music and dramatic interpretation. The variety underscored the depth of skill present in the 2026 field and highlighted the program’s emphasis on personal development and artistic expression.

Contestants also spoke about issues ranging from mental health advocacy to arts education and community engagement.

The Miss Central Pennsylvania Scholarship Competition remains one of the region’s most cherished cultural events, offering thousands of dollars in scholarships to support educational goals. The Miss America organization is the nation’s largest provider of scholarships to young women, and local competitions like Lewistown’s play a vital role in that mission. In addition to the four crowns, scholarships were awarded for talent, academic achievement, and community service, reinforcing the program’s commitment to supporting both personal and educational growth.

With the 2026 titles now awarded, Gable, Traxler, Ross, and Miller will spend the coming months preparing for the Miss Pennsylvania Scholarship Competition. Their preparation will include refining talent routines, strengthening interview skills, and expanding their community service platforms. Each titleholder will also represent the Central Pennsylvania region at community events, school programs, and local initiatives, continuing the tradition of visibility and service that defines the Miss America organization.

Saturday’s event once again demonstrated why the Miss Central Pennsylvania program holds such a special place in the Juniata Valley. From polished performances to enthusiastic support from the audience, the afternoon reflected the community spirit that has long defined Lewistown’s connection to the scholarship program. As families gathered for photos and contestants embraced one another backstage, the excitement was unmistakable.

For the newly crowned titleholders, the journey is just beginning — and for Central Pennsylvania, the 2026 competition offered a proud reminder of the talent, ambition, and service-minded leadership emerging from the region.