Callie Stepp McCall is the Apple Ambassador for the 2021 Apple Festival. The ambassador represents the festival and at other events across the state. Each year, the representative is selected from local rising high school seniors, according to festival organizers.
McCall, a student at Mountain Gems Academy, will receive a $2,000 college scholarship. Her parents are Rex and Danielle McCall. Her family has owned and operated Stepp’s Hillcrest Orchards for four generations.
The runner-up is Sadie Anna Rowe, who is a rising senior at Hendersonville High School. Her parents are Charles and Debbie Rowe. She will receive a $1,000 college scholarship.
Students are required to submit their transcripts, list of activities, provide letters of recommendation and write an essay on the Apple Festival and the importance of the apple industry to this area. The Apple Ambassador is selected based on this information and through an interview process.