CHAMBERSBURG, Pa. — Rebekah Aldrich, 20, of Waynesboro, was crowned Franklin County Dairy Princess recently during the 58th annual pageant held at the Chambersburg Mennonite Church.
The pageant is sponsored by the Franklin County Dairy Promotion Committee, a group dedicated to inform consumers about the dairy industry and the nutritional benefits of milk and dairy products.
The daughter of Chris and Barbara Aldrich, Rebekah has been involved in the dairy industry all of her life. She works as a teacher’s assistant in the Chambersburg Area School District with speech therapy and emotional support students. She will be promoting Franklin County’s dairy industry for the coming year and represent Franklin County during the state pageant in September.
Also assisting with the promotional activities will be a group of Dairy Ambassadors, Dairy Misses and Little Dairy Misses: Ashlyn Albright, Kaitlyn Albright, Madilynn Albright, Sarah Aldrich, Addison Edelman, Joey Hartman, Olivia Hartman, Felicity Horst, Ella Hykes, Kendra Keefer, Brynlee Klenzing, Charlee Klenzing, Amy Ocker, Ashley Ocker, Amirah Peckman and Jaden Princler.
During the pageant before an audience of 150 and a panel of coaches, Rebekah gave a presentation and speech and answered an impromptu question about the benefits of dairy.
The educational skit, which the new princess will present to younger audiences during her reign, was called “Sally’s Shopping Surprise.” She shared the results of a shopping trip with her stuffed cow, Sally. The presentation included information about dairy cows and how farmers care for them.
“Farmers take care of their cows 365 days a year,” said Rebekah during the presentation.
“Farmers are always striving to make sure their cows are healthy and comfortable.”
In her speech, titled “The Innovative Dairy Farmer,” Rebekah focused on the resilience Pennsylvania dairy farmers have demonstrated in a time when there is economic pressure on the industry and an increasing population to feed. She said they have done this through the use of technology and other resources that have improved milk production and made farming methods more efficient in time, labor and costs.
“It has forced farmers to come to a crossroad; to increase their herd while learning to operate with fewer resources or diversify their farm, in order to be sustainable,” explained Rebekah.
“Farmers are focusing on land preservation, quality of cow and calf care and the production of wholesome, safe products for the world to consume.”
The new princess pointed out that even in an evolution of the industry, milk remains a “nutritional bargain” at about 25 cents per glass and still containing the same 13 essential nutrients as always.
“Even though many processes have changed, one thing has remained consistent: Dairy farmers continue to ensure their land, cows and products are safe and wholesome for their families, their community and world,” she said.
Rebekah’s agriculture roots go back to her grandparents’ dairy operation, Reich-Spring Farm. She was active in Chambersburg FFA, including representing the chapter at the National FFA Convention while a student at Chambersburg Area Senior High School. A life-long 4-H member in the dairy club and teen leadership club, Rebekah plans to be a leader in the youth organization. She continues to show cows at the local and national levels and enjoys helping with everyday chores at Reich-Dale Jerseys.
Rebekah was crowned dairy princess by the 2024-2025 Franklin County Dairy Princess, Ashley Ocker who issued many thanks during her farewell speech. Also presenting a farewell speech was the 2024-2025 Alternate Dairy Princess Keri Kuhns.
Jeremy Laman served as the master of ceremonies. The coaches were Jill Smith, Taylor Morton and Valerie Mason-Faith.
The audience also heard from local dairy farmer Zane Garber of Shippensburg, a board director of the Pennsylvania Dairy Promotion Program. Garber shared positive results of promotional efforts enabled through a fund to which each dairy producer contributes.
“In 2024, U.S. fluid milk sales moving through all channels grew 0.5 percent after being negative in 2023,” Garber said. “This is the first year-over-year increase since 2009.”
Members of the dairy promotion team are available to visit public events, schools, meetings or other functions. For information, contact Franklin County Dairy Promotion chairperson/booking chairperson Selina Horst by calling or texting 717-552-0655 or by email at selina.horst13@gmail.com
