Photo courtesy of JUNIATA COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT
This year’s May Day Queen candidates and their escorts include front row from left: Sophia Smith, Leni Kopf, Hope Kehler, Miley Hack, Addison Rutherford and Kalynn Brown; back row: Camden Bargo, Colten Rowles, Arthur Hazard, Ryder Smith, Anthony Maradiaga and Daylyn Kennedy.

MIFFLINTOWN — The stage lights, music and applause that fill the Juniata High School auditorium each May signal the return of one of the school’s most beloved traditions — May Day. Celebrated for decades, the event combines student performances with the recognition of outstanding senior young women selected by their classmates to serve as May Day Queen candidates.

It is an evening that honors talent, service, and leadership throughout the Juniata High School community.

This year’s 2026 May Day celebration will take place on Friday, at 7 p.m. in the high school auditorium. The program will feature a wide variety of student performances, including singing, dancing, acting and other talents showcasing the creativity and dedication of Juniata High School students. One of the highlights of the evening will be the introduction of the 2025 May Day Queen candidates, chosen by the senior class for their involvement, character and leadership.

Here’s a glance at this year’s candidates:

Kalynn Brown

Kalynn Brown is the daughter of Clayton Brown and Kyla Whitesel, of Port Royal. After graduation, she plans to attend South Hills College of Technology, where she will major in respiratory therapy. Brown has been highly involved throughout her high school career, serving as an FFA member and officer, senior class officer, and member of both the National Honor Society and Scholastic J and Varsity J organizations. She has also demonstrated strong leadership on the field as captain of both the softball and cheerleading teams. Outside of school, Brown volunteers with Helping Hands of Juniata County and currently holds the title of 2025 Juniata County Veterans Queen. Her escort for the evening will be Daylyn Kennedy, son of Vance Kennedy and Cassandra Boozel, of Mifflin.

Miley Hack

Miley Hack is the daughter of Craig and Ashley Hack, of Port Royal. She plans to attend Juniata College, where she will study wildlife conservation. Hack’s involvement at Juniata High School spans academics, athletics and the arts. She serves as captain of the volleyball team and participates in track and field. Her musical interests include majorette, marching band, concert band and jazz band. Hack is also active in Student Council, National Honor Society — where she serves as treasurer — yearbook club, drama club, newspaper club, SADD and Envirothon. Outside of school, she attends Faith Bible Church in Port Royal and plays volleyball at the YMCA. Her escort will be Ryder Smith, son of Jeremy and Allison Smith, of Mifflintown.

Hope Kehler

Hope Kehler is the daughter of Nicole Kehler, of Mifflintown, and Brett Kehler, of Port Royal. She plans to attend college to pursue a career in pharmacy. Kehler holds several leadership roles at Juniata High School, including president of the National Honor Society and senior class president. She also serves as Student Council publicist and is involved in SADD, newspaper club, drama club, Envirothon, Poetry Out Loud, volleyball and softball. Outside of school, Kehler is active at Locust Run Global Methodist Church, where she teaches Bible school, and she plays volleyball at the YMCA. Her escort for the evening will be Arthur Hazard, son of George and Colleen Hazard, of Honey Grove.

Leni Kopf

Leni Kopf is the daughter of Tanja and Hauke Kopf, of Hamburg, Germany, and host parents Josh and Holly Boone, of Port Royal. Following her exchange year, she plans to return to Germany to complete high school before traveling and studying psychology or architecture and interior design. During her time at Juniata High School, Kopf has participated in fall cheerleading and track and field. Outside of school, she plays volleyball at the YMCA and in Germany she volunteers with a local children’s gymnastics program. Her escort will be Colten Rowles, son of Michael and Elizabeth Rowles, of East Waterford.

Addison Rutherford

Addison Rutherford is the daughter of Kelly and James Swartz, of Mifflin. She plans to attend Shippensburg University and major in forensic chemistry. Rutherford has held numerous leadership roles, including senior class secretary, Student Council president, National Honor Society vice president, and SADD president. She is also editor of the school newspaper and a member of yearbook club, Key Club, Scholastic J, Varsity J, majorette — serving as captain –marching band, concert band, jazz band, drama club and softball. Rutherford is a 2024 HOBY alumnus and works as a lifeguard at Central Juniata Park Pool. Her escort for the evening is Anthony Maradiaga, whose guardian is Ricardo Maradiaga, of Mifflin.

Sophia Smith

Sophia Smith is the daughter of Chad and Tina Smith, of Mifflintown. She plans to attend Grove City College and major in computer science. Sophia is a member of the National Honor Society, serving as publicist, and is active in Yearbook club, Scholastic J, Varsity J and softball. Outside of school, she attends Mifflintown Family Worship and is employed at Juniata Valley Winery and Axis Surveying. Her escort will be Camden Bargo, son of Carrie Rushing, of Thompsontown, and Jason Bargo, of Port Royal.

The community is invited to attend this year’s May Day celebration on Friday, at 7 p.m. in the Juniata High School auditorium. Tickets cost $5 and can be purchased at the door, on the Juniata High School website or at juniata.ludus.com.