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The Mountain State Apple Harvest Festival is thrilled to introduce our Maid Elect for the 2025 festival, Syrah Armoni Makena George, who is the 17-year-old daughter of Elizabeth and Bill Adams of Martinsburg, West Virginia. She is the twin sister to her brother, Uryan, and big sister to her brother, Xavier. Syrah is the granddaughter of Sally Ann Greenfield and the late Gary W. Greenfield, Juanita Banton and the late Pete Banton, and the late William C. Adams, Sr. 

 

A senior honor student at Martinsburg High School, Syrah also pursues college coursework through WVU Potomac State’s dual enrollment program and is set to graduate from Martinsburg High in May 2026. Her leadership and commitment to school life are evident—she currently serves as Senior Class President and previously held the role of Junior Class Co-Historian. Syrah is a four-year member of the MHS Student Council.

 

Syrah was inducted as a sophomore into the Ray Waldo, Jr. Chapter of the National Honor Society, where she now serves as Vice President. She is also the Secretary of the Science National Honor Society, having been a member for three years. A compassionate leader, Syrah participates in the Rotary Interact Club and is a peer leader in the Sources of Strength suicide prevention program. She is also involved with HSTA (Health, Science, and Technology Academy) and serves as a BRIDGE mentor to a student at North Middle School. For the past five years, she has been an active member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, where she leads worship.

 

Syrah is a four-year member of the award-winning Martinsburg High Velocity Dance Team (VDT) where she is co-captain. She was previously the Peer Coordinator for VDT. 

 

The team has won numerous championships, which include three Reach the Beach National championships in hip hop (twice) and jazz and 1st place in Hip Hop and Best Choreography at the Wheeling Park Invitational. Through VDT, Syrah actively participates in community service, including organizing activities for the Boys and Girls Club, volunteering at Sensory Santa events and the Special Needs Prom, and helping with elementary school field days.

 

For the past 13 years, Syrah has studied a wide range of dance styles at Tari Jo’s Dance Studio, including ballet, tap, jazz, pointe, modern, lyrical, acro, hip-hop, and musical theater. She finds joy in mentoring younger students as a class helper. Her talent and dedication have been recognized with a Summer Dance Scholarship in 2023, the Advanced Acro Award in 2024, and the prestigious Overall Dance Scholarship in 2025. Syrah is an active member of Trinity United Methodist Church, where she serves in many roles, including liturgist, acolyte, crucifer, Children’s Church helper, Vacation Bible School dance captain, handbell ensemble member, and youth group participant.

 

Professionally, Syrah has worked with Martinsburg Parks and Recreation for the past three years as a certified lifeguard. In addition to being trained in CPR, First Aid, and Water Safety, she also teaches swim lessons to local youth.

 

After graduation, Syrah plans to attend Shepherd University to pursue a degree in Elementary Education and aspires to join the Rams cheerleading squad.

 

The Mountain State Apple Harvest Festival has held a special place in Syrah’s heart for many years. From watching the parade in awe of the elegant princesses to attending Pomona’s Ladies Brunch with her mother and grandmother, and serving as a Junior Maiden, she has long dreamed of becoming part of the Apple Harvest Court. She feels deeply honored to have been crowned Queen Pomona XLVI and looks forward to promoting the significance of the apple industry and shining a light on the hard work and dedication of the region’s orchardists.