Interviewing Jessica White—Murphysboro High School choir director, co-director of the Apple Festival Pageant, and the 2006 Murphysboro Apple Festival Queen—was an absolute joy.

Jessica brings a rare combination of passion, style, grace, and heart to everything she does. Whether she's leading students in the choir room, helping young women prepare for the pageant, or representing the traditions of the Apple Festival, she does so with genuine care and excellence.

A fun fact: the beautiful voice you hear at the end of every Tell Me About Your Apple Festival interview is Jessica's. As I edited more than 20 videos over the past few months, I never once got tired of hearing it. In fact, she's become my new favorite singer.

Our conversation lasted 17 minutes, and editing it down was one of the hardest interviews I've worked on because every minute deserved to be included. Jessica has so much wisdom, warmth, and genuine love for this community that choosing what to leave out was no easy task.

I'm so glad that the young women who participate in the Apple Festival Pageant and the students in the Murphysboro High School choir have the opportunity to learn from and be mentored by Jessica. She carries the legacy of the Apple Festival with as much pride as when she wore her crown. I'm certain that her influence extends far beyond the stage.

Thank you, Jessica, for sharing your Murphysboro Apple Festival story.