BCS Insider
July 2024
Brinkley Miller, a senior at Hedgesville High School, is celebrating a memorable year as Queen Pomona XLVII for the 2026 Mountain State Apple Harvest Festival. The opportunity to represent a beloved community tradition has been both an honor and a chance for personal growth.
“Being named Queen Pomona for the 2026 Mountain State Apple Harvest Festival is such an incredible honor, and I am beyond grateful for the opportunity,” Miller said. “Being able to represent a festival that means so much to our community makes this experience even more special.”
The festival holds a special place in her heart because of its ability to bring people together year after year.
“It represents community, tradition, and the special memories that bring people together year after year,” Miller said. “I love that it gives people an opportunity to come together, celebrate agriculture, and make memories with the people they love.”
Serving as Queen Pomona allowed Miller to experience the festival from a new perspective, giving her a greater appreciation for the people and hard work behind the annual celebration. Her favorite tradition is the Grand Feature Parade, which brings families and community members together.
“There is something so special about seeing familiar faces, families making memories, and people of all ages enjoying the parade and all it has to offer,” she said. “It is a reminder that the festival is not just about the activities or events, but about the people and traditions that make it so meaningful.”
Beyond the festivities, Miller’s time as Queen Pomona has helped her grow in confidence, embrace new responsibilities and appreciate opportunities to represent something larger than herself.
“This experience has taught me so much about confidence, gratitude, and stepping outside of my comfort zone,” she said. “Most importantly, it has reminded me to appreciate the opportunities that come my way and to make the most of every moment.”
Miller encourages other students who may be considering participating in the Queen Pomona pageant to take the leap.
“I would tell them to go for it and not let fear or self-doubt hold them back,” she said. “Sometimes the most rewarding experiences come from taking a chance on yourself and allowing yourself to grow along the way.”
As she looks ahead to life after graduation, Miller plans to attend Hagerstown Community College to pursue her Radiologic Technology certification. She hopes to continue her education by earning a Radiation Therapy certification and building a career in healthcare.
“I am excited to pursue a career in healthcare where I can make a difference in people's lives and be there for patients when they need it most,” she said.
As she reflects on her reign, Miller hopes people remember the importance of local agriculture and the growers who help sustain this longstanding community tradition.
“I hope people remember the hard work and dedication of our local orchardists and the important role they play in our community,” she said. “I hope we continue to appreciate and support our local growers and remember the hard work that goes into bringing the harvest to our tables.”
Ultimately, Miller hopes her time as Queen Pomona reflects her pride in the community and appreciation for its traditions.
“More than anything, I hope people continue to cherish this tradition, support one another, and create memories that keep the spirit of the Apple Harvest Festival alive for generations to come.”
From learning letters and numbers to making friends, sharing, and building confidence, Pre-K helps little learners get ready for a BIG milestone: kindergarten!
There’s still time to enroll at Pikeside Early Learning Academy on Winchester Avenue! And the best part? Pre-K enrollment is open year-round!
Do you know a little learner who's ready to get a head start on their school journey?
November 2026: Compassion Fatigue
Caring for others is meaningful, but it can also take an emotional toll. Compassion fatigue, often described as “the cost of caring,” occurs when the ongoing stress of supporting others through difficult experiences leads to emotional exhaustion. Recognizing its signs and understanding how it affects us can help us take steps to care for ourselves while continuing to support those around us.
Learn more about compassion fatigue and ways to recognize and manage it in this month's ParentGuidance.org newsletter.
Throughout November, we’re celebrating the important role families play in student success. National Parent Engagement Day is November 19, and it’s a great opportunity to recognize the many ways parents, grandparents, guardians, and caregivers support our students every day.
We encourage you to share photos of your family learning, reading, playing, spending time together, and supporting your student this month. Tag Berkeley County Schools so we can celebrate these special moments with you!
Looking for ideas? Check out the creative ways to engage with your family throughout November on the Family & Community Engagement website. Look for the "Upcoming Events" section.
No Miss November: Every School Day Counts!
As we approach the halfway point of the school year, we are thankful for our incredible students, dedicated staff, and supportive families. The first part of the year has been filled with friendship, learning, goal-setting, and memorable moments. We are proud of the growth our students have made academically and socially, and we look forward to building on that success in the months ahead.
As we move into November, we are launching our No Miss November focus! With only 13 school days this month, every day provides valuable opportunities for students to learn, grow, and stay on track toward their goals. Consistent attendance helps students build essential skills, strengthen connections, and make the most of their educational experience.
As families begin planning travel for the upcoming holidays, we encourage you to keep the school calendar in mind when scheduling out-of-town trips. We understand the importance of spending quality time with loved ones, but this is also a critical time for learning as we approach the end of the first semester. High school students are working to earn their semester credits, while students in grades K–8 are building and strengthening the skills that support future academic success.
Please consider any absences your student may have already accumulated this school year and plan ahead to balance family travel with scheduled school holidays whenever possible.
Thank you for your continued partnership in helping students arrive at school ready to learn each day. Let's make No Miss November a success and finish the first half of the school year strong!
STRIVE FOR LESS THAN 5 ABSENCES PER SEMESTER. Every school day counts!
No Tricks, Just Treats and Test Drives!
Interested in becoming a school bus driver? Join the Berkeley County Schools Transportation team for a special recruitment event on October 31!
Test Drive a School Bus
Get behind the wheel and take a supervised test drive.
Meet Our Team
Learn more about the people, opportunities, and experience of being part of the Berkeley County Schools Transportation family.
Competitive Pay & Benefits
Enjoy competitive pay, flexible schedules, state retirement, and employee benefits. Get Paid While You Train! Start your career as a substitute school bus operator with Berkeley County Schools! New trainees will earn $20 per hour for up to 120 hours while completing the required training and certification process. In return, trainees commit to working with BCS for at least six school months. Get paid, earn your certification, and make a difference in students’ lives!
Treats & Giveaways
Stop by for Halloween treats and giveaways.
Date: October 31
Time: 9 a.m.–12 p.m.
Location: 88 Harlan Springs Road, Martinsburg, WV 25403
Bring a valid driver's license and no open-toe or open-heel shoes.
Questions? Call 304-267-3575.
