Breaking News
Local News

2023 Mountain State Forest Festival Royal Minor Court announced

5 min read

ELKINS -- The Royal Minor Court of Queen Silvia LXXXV has been selected and announced by Mountain State Forest Festival Director General Jon Morgan and Queen's Department Director Megan Casto.

Representing the 85th Royal Court will be Crown Bearer Brayton Mark Washington; Scepter Bearer Kane Matthew Gainer; Flower Girls Claire Ann Kniffen, Caroline Marie Simon, Laikin Felicity Tanner, Kaitlin "Kate" Terry; and Train Bearers Maddox Cruze Crawford and Harper Alexander Brown.

Brayton is the son of Brandon and Karrah Washington of Elkins. He is the grandson of the late Mark Riegel and Carla Riegel of Mill Creek and Timothy and Deania Poe of Mill Creek. He has one sister, Braelynn Washington.

In the fall, Brayton will be a kindergarten student at Third Ward Elementary. He enjoys racing and riding his dirt bike. Last year, Brayton placed second in his class competing in the Mountain State Hare Scramble Series. He is a member of the Ski High 4-H Club.

Brayton enjoys spending time with his family and friends as well as spending time outdoors camping, fishing, and riding the side-by-side.

Kane is the son of Kurt and Lindsey Gainer of Elkins. He is the grandson of John and Susan Gainer of Elkins, and Chris Broughton and Kathy Miller of Elkins. Kane has one brother, Kolt Gainer.

In the fall, he will be a first-grade student at Jennings Randolph Elementary. Kane plays Seneca Soccer and baseball at Elkins Little League. His hobbies include hunting, skiing, camping, watching wrestling, and anything involving the outdoors. He enjoys spending a lot of time with his grandparents, family, and his little brother.

Claire is the daughter of Dustin and Natalie Kniffen of Beverly. She is the granddaughter of William and Andrea Kniffen of Beverly, the late Ben Portaro, and the late Patty Heckel of Elkins. Claire has one brother, Preston Kniffen.

In the fall, she will be a third-grade student at Beverly Elementary. Claire is a three-year member of the Mountain Gymnastics Academy competitive gymnastics team and is a member of the Mount Vernon Colonials 4-H Club. She enjoys swimming, riding horses, and camping with her family. In the future, Claire hopes to compete as a college gymnast.

Caroline is the daughter of Mike and Allicen Simon of Elkins. She is the granddaughter of Angela Lothes of Weston, and the late Col. Herman and Betty Conrad of Elkins. Caroline is the great granddaughter of Alice Lothes of Belington.

In the fall, she will be a third-grade student at Jennings Randolph Elementary. Caroline participates in cheer for both her school and the Elkins Bengals. She is also involved with the Lucky Leaf 4-H Club and Rising Stars Baton group.

Caroline enjoys swimming and being outside as well as spending time with her family, two cats, and dog.

Laikin is the daughter of Justin and Alissa Tanner of Elkins and Kristen McGill of Elkins. She is the granddaughter of Mark and Clara McGill of West Union, and the late Jim Tanner and Helen Tanner of Elkins. Laikin has two sisters, Braelynn Tanner and Noa Tanner.

In the fall, she will be a fifth-grade student at North Elementary. Laikin participated in cheerleading and does dance, tumbling, and parade team at Axis Training. In the future, she wants to be an astronaut at NASA.

Kate is the daughter of Justin Terry and Cristin Gallagher Terry, both of Elkins. She is the granddaughter of Sue Russetti of Elkins, Dennis and Alice Gallagher of Vero Beach, Florida, Mark Talbott of Elkins, and Cindy Terry and Brad Terry, both of Elkins. Kate is also the great granddaughter of Carolyn DeMotto of Elkins. She has two brothers, Domanick and Kaleb, and one sister, Addy Terry.

In the fall, she will be a fifth-grade student at Jennings Randolph Elementary. Kate is a dedicated student, excelling in math, and she is a soccer player for Seneca Soccer League. She enjoys spending her winters skiing and snowboarding.

Maddox is the son of Caleb Crawford and Megan Phares, both of Elkins. He is the grandson of Ed and Bobbi Phares of Elkins, and Dennis and Lisa Crawford of Coalton.

In the fall, Maddox will be a fourth-grade student at Jennings Randolph Elementary. He is an honor roll student and member of student council. Maddox participates in The Old Brick kids camp and activities.

He has been active in Seneca Soccer for six years and enjoys downhill skiing, camping, hunting, swimming, and fishing. Maddox loves spending time with his family, friends, and especially his dogs.

Harper is the son of Alex and Janna Brown of Elkins. He is the grandson of Bob and Beth Taylor of Gerrardstown, and Peggy Brown and the late Patrick Brown of Lewisburg.

Harper is a home-school student and will be entering the fourth grade this fall. He is active in sports playing soccer with Seneca Soccer, baseball at Elkins Little League, swim with Elkins Otters and RAYS, golf with the Elkins Junior Golf Program, and skiing with the Timberline Race Team.

Harper loves exploring the outdoors on his mountain bike or unicycle with his two dogs. He also enjoys listening to music, playing the piano, and playing the guitar.

The Royal Minor Court will accompany Maid Silvia LXXXV during her royal coronation on Oct. 6 at the Citizens Bank of WV outdoor amphitheater on the campus of Davis & Elkins College.

The 85th Mountain State Forest Festival is scheduled for Sept. 30 through Oct. 8. For more information, call the festival office at 304-636-1824 or visit the official website at www.forestfestival.com.

Starting at /week.