By Jill VanDewoestine – August 2025
Ever wonder how active young people can fit Scouting into their busy schedules? Several Scouts from Troy, PA, made it look easy to be a Scout and participate in the 2025 Troy Fair Queen Pageant in July.
Adrienne Gates, Senior Patrol Leader of Troop 614G (Troy, PA), competed in and won the title of Troy Fair Sweetheart (ages 13-16) in July. Hannah Benjamin, a member of Cub Scout Pack 30 (Troy, PA), competed for Troy Fair Princess (ages 7-12) and received an Honorable Mention.
Adrienne was walked down the pageant aisle by her parents, Zachary Gates (Cubmaster of Pack 30 (Troy, PA)) and Sarah Gates (Scoutmaster of Troop 614G). Besides Scouting, Hannah is also active with her church, as well as participating in band, cheerleading, student council, track, and drama at Troy Junior/Senior High School.
Hannah was walked down the aisle by her parents, Benjamin Johnson (Scoutmaster of Troop 4049 (Troy, PA)), and Heather Johnson. In addition to achieving the rank of Bear in Cub Scouting, Hannah raises and shows rabbits with Leona Dairy 4H, dances, cheerleads, and helps her family care for its cats, sheep, pigs, rabbits, and chickens.
To compete, participants submitted a written application, had an interview with the judges, and answered a question in front of an audience at the pageant on the first day of the Troy Fair.
Adrienne Gates, 2025 Troy Fair Sweetheart
and Sr. Patrol Leader for Troop 614G (Troy, PA)
Of his daughter, Zachary Gates said, “the judge’s panel commented on how well-spoken and quick on her feet Adrienne was. Scouting has had a huge impact on Adrienne is as a young adult.”
Colleen Ross, the Troy Fair Royalty Coordinator, said, “Watching Adrienne step into the role of Troy Fair Sweetheart, it’s clear her background with the Scouts BSA program played a huge role in her preparation. The leadership skills, sense of service and poise she demonstrated during the competition and throughout fair week didn’t happen by accident – those are traits you see developed through hands-on programs like Scouts BSA. Adrienne’s experience there not only prepared her to run for the title, but also to represent Bradford County and the Troy Fair with genuine character and heart. She is a great example of how youth programs can shape tomorrow’s leaders.”
The Troy Fair Queen Pageant program complements Scouting well, in terms of helping girls build poise, confidence, and leadership skills. The Queen and her court (made up of 1st and 2nd Queen alternates, the Sweetheart, and Princess) represent the fair at public events, appear on social media, and serve as positive role models during their tenures.
During this year’s Troy Fair, the Queen and her court both took part in and visited fair attractions. You can see videos and pictures on the Troy Fair Royalty Facebook page.
For more information about great Scout Troops in your area for boys and girls ages 11-18, visit our Scouts BSA page.
Adrienne and parents
Fair Queen and Court with Wilbur,
the Troy Fair mascot
Hannah and parents
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