ELKINS — Mountain State Forest Festival Director General Lisa Shaffer has announced the appointments of Ellyse Spencer Goddard and Macie Elizabeth Romero as Maids of Honor to Queen Silvia LXXXVII. Goddard and Romero are bestowed with the highest Randolph County honors in the Forest Festival’s 87th Royal Court.
Goddard is the daughter of Scott Goddard and Amy Goddard of Elkins and her beloved supporters who stand by and are always by her side, Sally Empfield and Priscilla Gay. She is the granddaughter of William and Carolyn Spencer of Port Deposit, Maryland and Cloyd and Peg Goddard of Ligonier, Pennsylvania.
Goddard, a 2025 graduate of Elkins High School, has distinguished herself through academic achievement and artistic talent. A dedicated member of National Honor Society, she also participates in the school’s jazz band, marching band, and concert band. Goddard has been actively involved in Highland Dance and performs with Old Brick Playhouse. In the fall, Goddard will be a freshman at Washington & Jefferson College in Washington, Pennsylvania, where she has been awarded an academic scholarship. She plans to obtain her undergraduate in Psychology and then pursue a master’s degree to become a Child Life Specialist.
Goddard served as a Crown Bearer in the 77th Mountain State Forest Festival. Her father, Scott, supported the festival for many years as an Assistant Director before becoming Director General in 2016.
Goddard works at Davis Memorial Presbyterian Church Afterschool Program and Davis Medical Center. A passionate music lover, she enjoys attending live concerts and finds great joy in experiencing a wide range of musical genres. She is an active member of Rivers of Living Water Ministries. In her free time, she enjoys playing with her dog, Ash, spending time with friends and family, and participating in Youth Group activities.
Romero is the daughter of Brian and Beverly Romero of Elkins. She is the granddaughter of Tim and Sharon Cooper of Elkins, the late William “Bill” Umbright, and Danny and Bernice Linger of Norton. She has one brother, Josh.
Romero is a 2024 graduate of Elkins High School, where she was an Honor Roll Student, a member of student government, class council, National Technical Honor Society, Skills USA, and a Girls State alumni. She was also a letterman in soccer, cheer, tennis, and golf team. In the fall, Romero will be a sophomore at Fairmont State University where she plans to obtain her Nurse Practitioner certification before pursing cosmetology school, with the goal of eventually working in a medical spa specializing in aesthetics. At Fairmont, she is a leader in FCA, a member of the Baptist Campus ministries and Fairmont State Club Volleyball. She is the recipient of the Promise Scholarship, Maroon & White Scholarship, Fairmont State SOAR Scholarship, Hunt-Arnold Diversity Scholarship, and is on the dean’s list.
Romero served as a Jester in the 82nd Mountain State Forest Festival. Her father, Brian, served as an assistant director for three years and her mother, Beverly, has volunteered with hair preparation for Coronation for over fifteen years.
Romero has worked at Salon Bumbi and Davis Medical Center through the Davis Academy Internship. She is a member of Rivers of Living Water Ministries and Forged in Faith Youth Group. In her spare time, Romero enjoys pickleball, volleyball, working out, snowboarding, traveling, and spending time with family and friends.
Goddard and Romero will accompany Queen Silvia LXXXVII during her Royal Coronation on Friday, October 3, at the Citizens Bank of WV Outdoor Amphitheatre located on the campus of Davis & Elkins College.
The 87th edition of the Mountain State Forest Festival with the theme “Embrace Nature’s Charm” will take place Sept. 27 – Oct. 5.
More information is available by visiting festival social media, www.forestfestival.com, or calling the festival office at 304-636-1824.
