The Ms. Mississippi Senior America Pageant is inviting senior women to “step into the spotlight and receive the recognition they so richly deserve.”
“If you are a woman who has reached the ‘Age of Elegance,’ 60 years or older, the Mississippi Cameo Club is looking for you,” announced the organization, which holds the pageant each year.
Women 60 and up who can sing, dance, tell a story, paint, play an instrument, do comedy or who have another talent to share are encouraged to enter the 2018 Ms. Mississippi Senior America Pageant.
The event will be held at the Hattiesburg Arts Council, 723 Main St., on July 28.
Contestants are judged on interview, philosophy of life, evening gown and talent.
The winner will be crowned Ms. Mississippi Senior America 2018 and will represent the state at the upcoming 2018 Ms. Senior America Pageant held in Atlantic City, New Jersey, in October. The winner will receive the official crown and banner and entry fee for the national pageant.
In 2013, Greenwood resident Betty Aden won the title. She is also a member of the Cameo Club.
Betty Aden of Greenwood was selected as first runner-up Sunday at the Ms. Senior USA pageant in Las Vegas.
“I would love to see someone from the Delta enter,” said Aden, who is encouraging local women to participate.
Aden, who began competing in other pageants after her Ms. Mississippi Senior America win, also holds the title of Ms. Super Senior Universe. She was named Ms. Senior Mississippi USA and Ms. Super Senior USA in 2017.
“Participating in the Ms. Senior America pageant opened the door for amazing experiences,” said Aden. “I was never in a pageant until the age of 73.”
Aden said she enjoys the camaraderie while participating in the pageants.
“We have gone through life having the same struggles and challenges. We know we don’t have the bodies of a 20-year-old, but we’re proud of who we have become,” she said. “In the pageant world, you meet and become great friends with amazing Christian women who live in the moment. It’s so fun to dress up in gowns, attend events and just have fun with these ladies.”
Donna Perkins of Picayune is the 2017 Ms. Mississippi Senior America.
For more information about the Ms. Mississippi Senior America Pageant, contact Bonnie Hughes at 601-799-1714 or blhughes@bellsouth.net. Those interested in participating should contact Hughes by July 1.
“Be positive, step out of the box and do this,” said Aden. “After 60, it’s time for you to be a queen.”
For more information about the national pageant, visit www.senioramerica.org.
• Contact Ruthie Robison at 581-7233 or rrobison@gwcommonwealth.com.
