The Ms. Mississippi Senior America Pageant will be held on June 6 at Magnolia Columns in Picayune. Any woman 60 years of age or over and an American citizen is eligible to compete.

Although the Senior America Pageant program was founded in 1972 by Dr. Al Mott, Mississippi did not enter until 1992. The state has had a queen each year since then. The pageant allows women who have reached the “age of elegance” to step into the spotlight of grace and dignity and accept the recognition they so richly deserve. The Senior America philosophy is based upon the belief that seniors are the foundation of America and are our most valuable resource.

Mississippi is known for beautiful women and in 2006, Suzanne Shelley from Hattiesburg went on to claim the national pageant title in Las Vegas after claiming the local title. This year’s winner of the Ms. Mississippi Senior America Pageant will travel to Atlantic City, N.J., October 4-9, to compete with women from all over the United States for the national title.

The competition is scored on several components, such as the judges interview, philosophy of life, talent and evening gown. The talent portion of the program is designed to show that a woman’s gifts do not diminish with age. It can include vocal solos, playing an instrument, dancing, poetry recitations, art demonstrations, comedy routines, etc. For the evening gown category, contestants will also be judged on their poise, grace and stage presence. Each component is assigned a specific time limit.

Women interested in competing in this year’s competition should contact Gladys Hughes, Director of Ms. Mississippi Senior America, at 601-799-1714. She will be able to provide additional information, along with a brochure and an application. For further information about the Ms. Senior America Pageant, log on to www.senioramerica.org.