The Veterans Queen program is part of that tradition, offering a moment each fall when the community gathers to celebrate service, leadership and the next generation of young women who want to make a difference.

This year, seven candidates will compete for the title of 2026 Juniata County Veterans Queen. The winner will receive a $3,000 scholarship, the first runner-up will receive a $2,000 scholarship and the second runner-up will receive a $1,000 scholarship.

Here are this year’s candidates at a glance:

RILEY APPLE

Chloe Beers

Riley Apple, 17, is a student at East Juniata High School. She plans to attend college and pursue a degree in exercise science. Her activities include varsity soccer, varsity basketball, track and field, concert band, marching band (silks), junior class vice president, Key Club and Light Club. Riley’s sponsor is in honor of her late grandfather Robert Miller and her parents are Bobbi and Edward Apple. Her escort is Jadan Nealman.

CHLOE BEERS

Chloe Beers, 16, is a student at Juniata High School. Her future plans are undecided. Her activities include bocce ball, Back Hall Brew and softball. Chloe’s sponsor and escort have not yet been named. Her parent is Erin Fetterman.

BROOKLYN BURDA

Brooklyn Burda, 17, is a student at Juniata High School. She plans to pursue a career in nursing and become a pediatric oncology registered nurse. Her activities include cheerleading, student council, Scholastic J and prom committee. Brooklyn’s sponsor is Troy Brackbill and her parents are Walter and Kirsten Burda. Her escort is David Nace.

Brooklyn Burda

MADISON BRYNER

Madison Bryner, 17, is a student at Juniata High School. She plans to study psychology and sports nutrition in college while continuing wrestling and martial arts. She hopes to travel to Japan and mentor young athletes. Her activities include Juniata’s inaugural girls wrestling team, FFA, Powder Puff football, martial arts, Jiu-Jitsu and weightlifting. Madison’s sponsor is Zebulin Bryner and her parents are Zebulin Bryner and Alishia Snyder. Her escort is Zebulin Bryner.

MADISON COPELAND

Madison Copeland, 16, is a student at Juniata High School. She plans to attend college to study forensic psychology or join the military and become a therapist for veterans. Her activities include volleyball, track and field, marching band, concert band, jazz band, chorus, student council and class officer. Madison’s sponsor is Doug Copeland and her parent is Jamie Shiffer. Her escort is Jdiel Xoumphonphackdy.

ALEXA EHRENZELLER

Madison Bryner

Alexa Ehrenzeller, 16, is a student at Greenwood High School. She plans to attend a four-year college to become a registered or pediatric nurse. Her activities include FFA, Mini-THON, student council, honor society, Spanish honor society, PALS, Special Olympics buddy and GAA. Alexa’s sponsor is George Moore and her parents are Andy and Donna Ehrenzeller. Her escort is Owen Brofee.

SAGE KAUFFMAN

Sage Kauffman, 17, is a student at Juniata High School. She plans to attend Penn State University and major in architecture. Her activities include concert band, jazz band, FFA, student council and Back Hall Brew. Sage’s sponsor is Robert Black Sr. and her parents are Stephanie Poorman and Larry Kauffman. Her escort is Ryder Smith.

The candidates will be selling raffle tickets throughout the county, often at small businesses, community events and familiar gathering spots where residents tend to linger and chat. The Veterans Council encourages residents to support their efforts, noting that the contest has long been one of the most spirited and community-minded traditions leading into Veterans Day.

The Veterans Day celebration and crowning of the 2026 Juniata County Veterans Queen will be held Friday, Nov. 6, at Laurel Rock Farms in the Laurelton Building. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., with the program beginning at 6 p.m. The annual Veterans Day Parade will be held on Saturday, Nov. 7, in Thompsontown.

Madison Copeland

Alexa Ehrenzeller

Sage Kauffman