Festival President, Elaine Aikens, worked very hard last summer with her Theme Committee to create the vibrant 2009 Theme: ‘Celebrate!’ At that time, the depths of the economic hard times were still a mere cloud on the horizon. After the reality of our local and national situation became apparent, celebrity “stomping grounds” such as Florida and California and New York seemed to get further and further away from us. Ever resourceful, Elaine and her Celebrity Committee decided that this was the perfect time to reap the rich field of celebrity talent that has grown right here in our own Shenandoah Valley. It was this effort that spawned the unofficially “altered” version of her theme ‘Go Local! Go Bloom! Go Celebrate!’ In connection with this effort, one of the names that immediately came up was local soccer hero, and D.C. United Star, Devon McTavish. It is with great pride that Elaine announces that Devon will indeed join us at the 2009 Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival®.

After graduating from James Wood High School in 2002, Devon starred with the West Virginia University soccer team for all four seasons that he was there. He started 14 of 15 games in the fall of 2002 as an 18-year-old freshman. Escalating success greeted Devon in 2003 and 2004; and, by his senior year in 2005, he was named to the NSCAA All-Mid Atlantic Third Team. He was also a recipient of one of the 2006 Big East Male Scholar Athlete Awards. He finished his career ranked third all-time in school history with 75 matches played as a Mountaineer. On January 25th, 2006, he was selected in the fourth round [43rd overall pick] of the 2006 MLS Supplemental Draft.

In 2006, Devon made his Major League Soccer debut on June 21st, coming in as a second-half sub in United’s 1-0 win over Chicago. He earned his first MLS start three days later on June 24th in the team’s 1-0 win over Kansas City. He made five first-team appearances [three starts] that year, logging a total of 265 minutes on the pitch; but, his time was limited when he had to have knee surgery on July 27th. He was still able to contribute to the reserve team, making 8 appearances [7 starts], as the team put together a 6-5-1 record. After a rookie season in which he was only able to play 265 minutes; a healthy Devon made huge strides in 2007. The Winchester, Virginia native made 22 appearances [20 starts] and totaled 1,825 minutes as one of the most adaptable players on the team. Used primarily as a center back, Devon also played at various times as an outside defender, defensive midfielder and outside winger. He was an important part of a defense that allowed just 34 goals in 30 games, third fewest in MLS.

In a 2008 season that saw a host of line-up changes from the previous year, Devon was again one of the most versatile players on the squad. The third-year player began the year as a right midfielder and scored three goals in the team’s first two Champions’ Cup games. As injuries decimated the team, he was then used as a central back, defensive midfielder and right midfielder. He finished the League season with 26 games played [25 starts]. In all competitions, Devon tallied four goals and five assists in 42 games [40 starts].

The Festival is still working with Devon McTavish on firming up his official schedule; but, at this time, he will appear at some of the May 1st, Festival Friday events including some of the luncheons and the Coronation of the Queen in the Handley High School Auditorium at 2:00pm; and, will end the day with the traditional ride in the Firefighters’ Parade which kicks off in Old Town Winchester at 5:30pm.