Age of elegance: Columbia woman wins second runner-up at Ms. Missouri Senior Pageant
COLUMBIA — Judith McKenney of Columbia earned second runner-up at the Ms. Missouri Senior America Pageant on Saturday at the Florissant Civic Center Theatre in Florissant. Clutching a trophy, McKenney said she was very delighted to compete.
“The women were all so talented,” she said. “It was tough.”
McKenney competed against 11 other contestants in four categories: talent, poise and elegance in an evening gown, a 30-second philosophy of life statement and a one-on-one interview with six judges.
Susan Groves, 63, of Fulton, said her final words and took her last walk as Ms. Missouri Senior Queen 2007. Christine DeHart of Wildwood was crowned the 2008 winner. Mary Lou Phipps of Ballwin finished first runner-up.
DeHart will showcase her talent with the Cameo Club and speak about life as a senior woman in senior centers, schools and hospitals in Missouri, mostly in the St. Louis area.
The Ms. Missouri Senior Pageant is about giving honor to women over 60 who have reached the “Age of Elegance.” As the Senior America Inc. Web site states, it is the belief that “seniors are the foundation of America, and our most valuable treasure. It is upon their knowledge, experience and resources that the younger generation has the opportunity to build a better society.”