PennWest California student Annie Rieg has won the 2025 Miss Greater Juniata Valley, a preliminary award for Miss Pennsylvania.

Rieg, a senior marketing major, said this year marked a significant milestone as she competed in her first local pageant for the Miss Pennsylvania Miss America Scholarship Opportunity.

“Pageantry runs deep in my family, spanning four generations of competitors, judges, and directors,” Rieg said. “My mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother all served as local judges for the Miss Pennsylvania Miss America Organization, and my mother has dedicated much of her life to both competing in and directing pageants. It was only natural for me to step into this legacy and make my family proud.”

An active member on campus who immerses herself in various campus organizations, Rieg can often be seen participating in the University’s Marching Band, Kappa Kappa Psi (Cal’s Band Service Fraternity), Future Business Leaders of America, and the Accounting Club. Beyond academics, she also enjoys Zumba, aerobics, golfing, fishing, and building Lego sets in her free time.

She expressed her gratitude for the opportunity that scholarship pageants provide, allowing contestants to advocate for their beliefs.

“Receiving my local titleholder crown was a surreal moment,” Reig reminisced. “It took me back to childhood memories of playing dress-up with my mother’s Miss Butler County 1992 crown. Achieving this goal has been a dream come true.”

Throughout her journey, Rieg has embraced challenges and celebrated achievements that have shaped her both personally and professionally.

“In 2020, I was honored to be part of the USA Twirling Team, scheduled to compete in Holland before the COVID-19 pandemic led to its unfortunate cancellation,” she explained. “More recently, in 2023, I placed first runner-up at the Miss Pennsylvania International Pageant, where I passionately advocated for the importance of education and organ donation awareness.”

Beyond competing, Rieg serves as the co-director of the Miss Little Italy Pageant in Bloomfield, the largest heritage festival in Western Pennsylvania.

“This role has allowed me to share the importance of small businesses with my community,” she said. “It’s a great opportunity to foster growth and appreciation for local entrepreneurs.”

One of her proudest accomplishments was serving as the feature twirler for the California campus.

“The university’s Marching Band is a vital part of campus life, and leading the band onto the field during pregame this year was one of my most cherished experiences,” Rieg shared. “The band is the backbone of school spirit, and I’m honored to be part of such a longstanding tradition.”

As her senior year comes to a close, Rieg reflects on what it has meant to her.

“I am deeply grateful for all of my experiences and accomplishments at Cal,” she said. “The university has provided me with a platform to share my initiatives and my passion for baton twirling.”

Balancing classes, two jobs, teaching dance, and continuing her advocacy work with Donate Life has been challenging, but she remains excited about the future.

“After graduation, I plan to enter the workforce in marketing biomedical equipment and pharmaceuticals while continuing my education at Cal by pursuing a master’s degree in Biology,” Rieg said. “Though I will transition from student to alumni, my connection to Cal will remain strong. I’m especially looking forward to returning for Alumni Day, where I will once again twirl on the field, a tradition that will forever hold a special place in my heart.”

Looking ahead, Rieg is eager to continue her participation in The Miss America Scholarship Organization (MAO), the largest scholarship program for women in the United States.

“Through MAO, I hope to further my advocacy, connect with inspiring individuals, and continue making a positive impact in my community,” she said.
As she embarks on her next chapter, Rieg carries with her the lessons, friendships, and unforgettable moments that have defined her time at Cal.

“My journey is far from over, it’s only just beginning,” she said with a smile.

For more insights, follow along on Instagram: Miss Greater Juniata Valley