Local ladies interested in entering the Ms. Texas Senior Classic Pageant, met with Reigning Ms. Texas,
Jimme Wilson, at a meeting, on Thursday, to discuss the local pageant, scheduled for July 23rd.

"Ms. Texas Senior Classic" Makes
Appearance in Sulphur Springs, Thursday

by: Bobby McDonald

It was an enthusiastic crowd of local women, 60+, that met with reigning Ms. Texas Senior Classic, Jimme Wilson, of Richardson, on Thursday afternoon, to discuss the mechanics of the local Ms. Texas Pageant, scheduled for July 23rd, at 6:00 p.m., in the Senior Citizen's Center. Wilson recounted all of the fun that she has had during the past year and that she really regretted having to relinquish her crown to the new Ms. Texas, at the state pageant, scheduled for August 26th-29th, at the SouthFork Hotel in Plano. "It's been a wonderful year of attending parades, meeting new people, and proving to the world, that you can be young and have fun, regardless of your age!" expressed Wilson. "I would encourage anyone meeting the requirements to accept the challenge and enter the contest! You'll certainly be rewarded by the experience!"

Local pageant coordinator, Karon Weatherman, denoted that there are already eleven entries in the local contest. Contestants include: Sandy Heisler (who attended Thursday's meeting in a toga, as she was bustling from one activity to another), Donna Hamiter, Mary Edwards, Margaret Bays, Betty Landes (a former Las Vega Show Girl), Helen Lunceford, Virginia Tanton (Representing Carriage House Manor), and three other representatives of local nursing homes. "We'll be naming our winner at our own preliminary contest, July 16th, at 6:30 p.m.," denoted LeaNetta Pryor, of Rock Creek Health and Rehab. "We are in the process of receiving nominations for our pageant and then will name a winner to represent us in the County Pageant, the night of the 16th!"

Reigning Ms. Texas Senior Classic, Jimme Wilson, of Richardson, visited
with local women interested in the local pageant.

State Pageant Director, Peggy Waggoner, was also in attendance at Thursday afternoon's meeting, to discuss rules and the order of the pageant. Participants will be asked to write a 50 word or less, statement about their Philosophy of Life; conduct an interview before the audience; present a talent of some kind; and model a long dress. Talent presentations are limited to a maximum of 2 1/2 minutes.

"We operate by the motto, 'Changing the Image of Aging,'" denoted Waggoner. "We want to tell the world that just because the numbers keep adding-up, year after year, that it doesn't mean that life can't be full of fun! As one younger judge commented a couple of years ago, 'I don't mind aging, when I see how much fun you ladies are having!'"

Local radio personality, Enola Gay, will serve as the Mistress of Ceremonies for the local pageant, on July 23rd, and a panel of judges from the local community, who represent a number of interests, have been chosen. Mark your calendar for the July 23rd local pageant and see who will be representing Hopkins County in the Ms. Texas Pageant, in August!

Weatherman added that entries for the local pageant will be taken through July 16th, for anyone interested in entering the local competition!

Local Ms. Texas contestants were "full of questions" at Thursday's meeting, concerning the upcoming
Hopkins County Ms. Texas Pageant, slated for July 23rd.