Whether on the lacrosse field or in the community, this senior lights up Cocalico's world

Addie Musser didn’t realize being Miss Denver gave her magical powers. She found out when it was time to light the town’s Christmas tree.

Cocalico’s senior put her hand on one of the branches and … there was light.

The kids in the audience were amazed. They asked Musser how she did it. A queen never reveals her secrets.

Musser is a three-sport athlete who was chosen to be Miss Denver at the county fair in September. She wears the sash and crown and represents her town in a public relations capacity at various events.

“Being involved in the community is something very important to me,” Musser said. “I love where we live and the people I live around.”

Musser’s life doesn’t come with an off switch. She plays field hockey in the fall, is a swimmer during the winter and plays lacrosse in the spring. That’s just sports. It doesn’t include her other extracurricular activities.

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Sometimes Musser’s worlds collide. Cocalico held its Sir Valentine dance, which includes the boys equivalent of a homecoming court, the same day as the Lancaster-Lebanon League swimming championships last month.

Musser was one of the escorts. She competed in the 100 backstroke, dried off, raced 30 minutes home to put on her dress and accompany Zach Weik to the occasion.

If Musser had medaled that day, she would’ve returned to Franklin & Marshall to stand on the podium. Still wearing her dress and heels.

“I love to be busy,” Musser said. “I love to be doing something all the time. I don’t like to sit still. I don’t like to rest.”

Musser’s friends aren’t sure how she does it all.

“I don’t think she sleeps,” junior Melia Van Zant said.

The personality traits that helped Musser become one of six Lancaster County young women chosen as a fair queen also make her a good teammate. That’ll be evident on the lacrosse field in the coming weeks.

“She’s very bubbly,” senior Maggie Allen said. “A happy person to be around. She builds everyone up around her. I feel like that brings our team’s morale up.”

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Denver Tree Lighting 0013.JPG — Buy Now

Miss Denver Fair Queen, Addison Musser, talks withe the attendees during the holiday tree lighting in Denver on Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024.
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Some of Musser’s pursuits seem contradictory. Public relations and competition are at opposite ends of the social spectrum.

Musser calls herself a quiet competitor. Once she gets into a game, her desire to win lights up like that tree at Denver Borough Municipal Building.

Cocalico has its sights set on competing with Lampeter-Strasburg and Elizabethtown for the Section Two title. Musser will be an important part of that puzzle.

Field hockey is the senior’s No. 1 sport. She has committed to play at Messiah University next year.

When September rolls around, Musser will return to the fair and hand off her duties to the next Miss Denver. She has six more months of fun experiences until then.

“She’s just along for the ride,” Van Zant said. “She’s not afraid to try anything. I don’t think I’ve ever seen her with a frown on her face.”

Musser realizes her time at Cocalico is nearing an end. Lacrosse season, which seemed so far away in August, is already here. Graduation will soon follow.

While that’s sad, Musser knows she made the most of these months.

“I’ve squeezed every ounce out of my senior year that I could have,” she said. “I’m so grateful for the opportunities I’ve had.”

In cleats or in heels, Musser has enjoyed the ride.