CIRCLEVILLE, Ohio — Riley Strickler of Amanda Clearcreek High School was crowned Miss Circleville Pumpkin Show Wednesday night following the annual parade and queen’s contest, earning the top honor during one of the festival’s longstanding traditions.
Jolene Burbacher of Circleville High School was named first attendant, while Emzie Davis of Zane Trace High School was selected as second attendant.
The three young women were recognized for their academic achievements, extracurricular involvement, leadership and community activities.
Miss Circleville Pumpkin Show: Riley Strickler
Strickler, the daughter of Kevin and Chasatie Strickler, attends Amanda Clearcreek High School, where she serves as FFA chapter president and junior class vice president.
She has earned multiple state FFA awards and received a Washington Leadership Conference scholarship. In addition to her leadership activities, Strickler participates in multiple sports and developed a student-led tutoring program.
She also took on an unusual adventure this summer, spending four hours exploring a cave 235 feet underground.
Following high school, Strickler plans to pursue a medical degree.
First Attendant: Jolene Burbacher
Burbacher, the daughter of Andy and Laura Burbacher, attends Circleville High School.
She is a member of the National Honor Society, serves as marching band field commander, participates in varsity cheerleading and is a member of the swim team.
Burbacher placed first at the Mid-State League Cheer Competition and earned a superior rating at the state level for marching band.
She was also nearly a Pumpkin Show baby, missing being born on Pumpkin Show Saturday by just six hours.
Burbacher hopes to attend either Ohio State University or Ohio University after graduation.
Second Attendant: Emzie Davis
Davis attends Zane Trace High School and is the daughter of Bonita Amerine.
She serves as vice president of both FFA and 4-H, maintains high honors academically and competes in varsity cheerleading and track.
Davis also has a special project underway after catching a calf named Champ during the 2026 Ross County Calf Scramble. She is raising the calf to show as a steer at the 2027 Ross County Fair.
The annual Miss Circleville Pumpkin Show contest recognizes outstanding young women from the region, highlighting their accomplishments, leadership and involvement in their schools and communities.
The crowning took place Wednesday night as the 2026 Circleville Pumpkin Show continued its four-day celebration of the community’s signature festival.
You can find a livestream of the contest on Sciotopost facebook page.
