New Oxford, October 24, 2025
News Summary
Lilian Crabbs from New Oxford High School has been awarded the title of Miss Hanover Area 2025 at a recent pageant held in the community. Crabbs, a senior and a skilled athlete, also won the People’s Choice and Fitness Awards. The event, featuring eight contestants from local high schools, concluded with winners in various categories, while concerns about local missing persons cases added a somber note to the occasion. Community support for those affected by these incidents continues as investigations proceed.
New Oxford
New Oxford’s Lilian Crabbs was crowned Miss Hanover Area 2025 during the pageant held at the Eichelberger Performing Arts Center on October 19. Crabbs, a senior at New Oxford High School and a standout three-sport athlete, also clinched the People’s Choice Award and the Fitness Award. This year’s competition featured eight seniors from three local high schools.
All top four positions in the pageant were filled by contestants from New Oxford High School. Addison Canales was named first runner-up, followed by Makenzie Brinkley as second runner-up, and Addison DeShong as third runner-up. The event also introduced the new Miss Hanover Beauties program, where Saylor Lovelace was awarded the People’s Choice Award.
The pageant featured performances by local artists Brendan Starr and Brody Rummel, who entertained the audience with well-known rock and pop song covers. The outgoing Miss Hanover 2024, Jordyn Farley, participated in the event by performing her final dance and assisting with interviews and award presentations. Special guests included Miss Pennsylvania Victoria Vespico, Miss South Central Pennsylvania Teen Anberlin Weaver, and Miss South Central Pennsylvania Kendall DeShong.
A total of $5,400 was awarded to six contestants in the form of scholarships and cash prizes. Key awards went to the following participants:
- Interview Award: Addison Canales
- Talent Award: Makenzie Brinkley
- Evening Gown Award: Makenzie Brinkley
- Abigail Bachman Community Service Award: Addison Canales
- Miss Community Support Award: Allie Arentz from South Western
- Spirit Award: Ava Baughman from Spring Grove
- Fitness Competition Winner: Lilian Crabbs
- On-Stage Question Winner: Addison DeShong
While the pageant brought excitement to the community, it occurred amidst serious concerns surrounding recent local missing persons cases. The family of Mark Hicks, a 38-year-old man who has been missing since June 22, expressed their worries about the situation. Hicks was last seen walking along Pleasant Street, and his family filed a report with the Hanover Borough Police after not hearing from him for several days.
Additionally, two other local men are also missing: Ben M. Garrett, aged 36, reported missing on May 21, and Matthew Meredith, aged 42, who was reported missing on June 8. The body of Meredith was found on June 11, just days after he went missing, raising concerns about possible connections between the disappearances. Local police continue to investigate all cases, but they have reported no indications of abduction related to these individuals.
In a related incident, Keegan Schweitzer, a 16-year-old who went missing on June 26, was located safe in Lititz, Lancaster County. Though the community has come together online to support the families of the missing individuals, the police have not yet uncovered any substantial leads in their investigations.
FAQ
Who won the title of Miss Hanover Area 2025?
Lilian Crabbs from New Oxford won the title of Miss Hanover Area 2025.
When was the pageant held?
The pageant took place at the Eichelberger Performing Arts Center on October 19.
What awards did Lilian Crabbs receive?
Lilian Crabbs received the People’s Choice Award and the Fitness Award.
How many seniors competed in the pageant?
Eight seniors from three local high schools competed for the title.
Who were the top four contestants in the pageant?
The top four spots were claimed by seniors from New Oxford High School:
- First runner-up: Addison Canales
- Second runner-up: Makenzie Brinkley
- Third runner-up: Addison DeShong
What recent concerns arose in the community regarding missing persons?
Concerns were raised following the disappearances of local men, including Mark Hicks, Ben M. Garrett, and Matthew Meredith.
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Additional Resources
- Evening Sun: New Oxford High School Senior Crowned Miss Hanover Area 2025
- Google Search: Missing Persons Hanover PA
- York Dispatch: York County Native Will Compete for Miss America 2026
- Wikipedia: Missing Person
- WGAL: Several Men Reported Missing from Hanover Area
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Missing Person
- PennLive: Missing – A Piece of Our Heart
- Google News: Miss Hanover Area 2025
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