A friend passed recently. One memorable story about her recalls participation in the following event.
I had never viewed a live beauty contest until a friend participated in the Ms New Jersey Senior America Pageant. I watched numerous Miss America broadcasts over the years, but could not relate. I am not now, and never was, tall, slim, and talented in a public performance way. I do not sing (I am tone deaf), play a musical instrument, or boast any unique talent. I dance for fun, my proficiency not up to public appearance standards.
When my Zumba instructor decided to compete in the Ms New Jersey Senior America Pageant as a result of persuasion from her Seniorcize exercise class, I joined other members of her classes and attended the competition. We were excited for Carol and anticipated an intriguing afternoon as we descended on Harrah’s Casino in Atlantic City to support and encourage her with our enthusiasm, signs, and cameras in hand.
The program booklet explains that the purpose of the event is to honor women reaching the “Age of Elegance.” Judging criteria include the interview (completed before the main event), an evening gown competition, talent presentation, and ‘inner beauty’.
Fifteen contestants from throughout New Jersey vied for the crown. Whatever each woman’s motivation to enter, they all deserve a lot of credit for spending considerable time and money preparing for the event.
The show began with introductions. As the announcer stated each woman’s name, occupation, activities, and family data, the woman slowly promenaded across the stage.
The evening gown competition followed introductions. Each participant, escorted onto the stage by a young military man, stepped up to the microphone and gave a short monologue on their philosophy of life. A couple of women explained their decision to take part in the pageant. One woman celebrated five years cancer-free; another wanted to show her grandchildren they could accomplish anything they set their mind to in life.
Many of the women worked, while others were retired. They included an award-winning professional photographer, a lawyer, educators and teachers, a nurse and other health care professionals, a financial planner, and our personal trainer and Zumba instructor. The program listed the numerous volunteer organizations each woman supported.
All contestants performed in a choreographed musical number.
I found the talent portion entertaining. Contenders exhibited skillfulness as singers, piano players, and dancers. Some spotlighted dual talents as a singer and dancer, and one individual sang and played the piano. Several had stage experience and professional training. Others created a production especially for the event.
The key qualification for Ms Senior America is age. Competitors must be at least 60 years old, and most appeared to be in their 60s. One beautiful, feisty woman with a magnificent voice was 80-ish. A few were short, most of average height, and only a couple were tall. A minority were slim; many carried a few extra pounds, and one or two quite plump. All had wisdom lines etched on their faces. A majority dyed their hair, based on the wide variety of colors displayed, from silver-haired exquisiteness to black beauties (All undoubtedly had help from their hairdresser).
Our crew of enthusiastic spectators was not objective, but there was no question our beloved, homegrown participant would be among the top finishers. Throughout the gown spectacle, the group number, and the talent competition, Carol performed brilliantly. She was a crowd favorite.
Previous contestants performed musical numbers to pass the time until the judges completed their deliberations.
The announcements of the winners began with the fourth runner-up. As frontrunners were revealed, our cheering section grew louder and more excited. Carol’s name was not called. We knew she was awesome.
There was a long pause before the presenter declared the winner, probably only a few seconds, but it seemed a long time to her cheering squad, and doubtless like an eternity to Carol, standing quietly, hopefully, on stage. My camera focused on her. We held our breath. Then the announcement came:
Ms New Jersey Senior America 2012
Carol Dugan!
Carol’s fans screamed, jumped for joy, and celebrated a friend’s success.
Carol competed in the Ms Senior America Pageant in October 2012, finished fourth runner-up, and became a member of the 2012 Ms Senior America’s Queen Court.
Thank you, Carol, for the memories.
