Each year a Honey Queen is selected to become the main promoter of Pennsylvania's beekeeping industry. The Honey Queen travels throughout the state speaking at schools, fairs, festivals, beekeeping meetings, etc. She participates in media interviews and is always ready to promote the beekeeping and honey industries. The main focus of the Honey Queen program is education; feel free to invite her to give a presentation at your event. The Honey Queen also represents Pennsylvania each year at the American Honey Queen competition, held during the American Beekeeping Federation Convention.

2023 PA Honey Queen

Paige Rhyne - 2023 PA Honey Queen

Paige Rhyne has been chosen as the 2023 Pennsylvania Honey Queen.

Hello, family friends and judges.  My name is Paige Rhyne and I am the 19 year old daughter of Darren and Tammy Rhyne from Mifflinburg PA.  I am currently a student at Bloomsburg University where I am studying for my bachelors degree in science medicine to be a registered nurse.  I am an active member of the Mifflinburg VFW auxiliary where I hold the title of Chaplin.  I am also active in the 4H, FFA, and Girl Scouts where I am working toward my gold award.  I would like to thank my sponsor the Susquehanna Beekeepers Association.  Thank you!

2023 PA Honey Princess

Natalie Shimo - 2023 PA Honey Princess

Natalie Shimo has been chosen as the 2023 Pennsylvania Honey Princess.

Hello beekeepers. My name is Natalie Shimo. I am the 2023 Pennsylvania Honey Princess. Every month the Pennsylvania Honey Queen and I will be sharing updates about what we are doing to educate people about honeybees, honey, and the beekeeping industry. I am so excited to have this opportunity to represent the beekeeping industry in Pennsylvania.

I am the 24-year-old daughter of David and Brenda Shimo. I live with my parents and five younger siblings in western Pennsylvania. I love spending time with my family and friends and going on adventures. In my free time, I enjoy reading, sewing, and listening to podcasts.

I have been beekeeping with my dad since 2008 and am a member of the Mercer Area Beekeepers Association. I enjoy all aspects of beekeeping, especially challenging my dad to see who can locate the queen first during hive inspections.

I graduated from Liberty University in May of 2022 with a Bachelor of Education degree in special education. I work as a kindergarten teacher and special education support teacher at Creative Learning Christian School.

2023 Pennsylvania Honey Queen Brochures

Queen Paige Rhyne and Princess Natalie Shimo's 2023 Pennsylvania Honey Queen Brochures are now available. A $10 donation for a pack of 100 brochures is requested. You can purchase brochures by contacting Cathy and Lucy at honeyqueen@pastatebeekeepers.org or you may print them from this pdf file if you prefer. 

2022 PA Honey Queen

Khristyn Maurer - 2022 PA Honey Queen

Khristyn Maurer has been chosen as the 2022 Pennsylvania Honey Queen.

Khristyn is the 21 year old daughter of Diane and the late Bruce Maurer of Pitman. She lives on a small pet farm and has an older sister, Courtney. Khristyn was the 2017 Gratz Fair Queen, where she enjoyed promoting agriculture and her local fair to the community. Her hobbies include hiking, helping on her neighbor’s dairy farm and spending time with friends and family. A new activity is establishing a hive on her farm. Khristyn is a graduate of Tri-Valley High School and Harrisburg Area Community College’s Phlebotomy and Certified Nursing Assistant Programs. She is currently a phlebotomist at Geisinger Medical Center in Danville. As the 2022 Pennsylvania Honey Queen, Khristyn Maurer travels throughout the state promoting the beekeeping and honey industries by providing educational presentations to schools and community groups, and by attending fairs, festivals and participating in media interviews.

Honey Queen Activities

Queen Khristyn visited Ernst Conservation and Seed where Northwestern Pennsylvania Beekeeping Association held a queen swap. There were approximately 75 present, eager to learn.

Queen Khristyn with Calvin Ernst (host)

Queen Khristyn with bee hives

Queen Khristyn with milkshake at PA Dairymen's assn.

View more photos, details, and updates on our Honey Queen Program Facebook Page.

Honey Queen Program Contact Information

Invite the PA Honey Queen to your event!

PA Honey Queen Request Form

PA Honey Queen Contestant Information and Application Form

PA Honey Queen Program Facebook Page

Cathy Vorisek
(PA Honey Queen Program Chair)
15834 Linesville Road
Linesville PA 16424
Cell 1-814-350-9291
House 1-814-683-5888
Email:  HoneyQueen@PAStateBeekeepers.org

Previous years' "Honey Queen Report" articles have been archived.
A listing of previous years' Honey Queens/Princesses is also available.