One of my absolute favorite events of the year is the Ms. Senior Jacksonville Pageant—and it’s coming up this Saturday, June 28, 2-3:30 p.m. at FSCJ Kent Campus, “F” Building auditorium.
If my recommendation alone is not enough reason to attend (i won’t be offended), check out the contestants themselves—all at least 60 years young. I cannot stress enough how amazing this event is: inspiring, funny, poignant, sassy, eye-opening, moving and highly entertaining, just like the ladies themselves
NOTE: Tickets must be purchased in advance via Eventbrite. Tickets will not be available at the door.
Staci Anderson, 62, retired nurse
Talent: Singing
Childhood ambition: Become a nurse and a jazz singer
Life philosophy: “Remember whose child I am.”
First job: Yeoman in the U.S. Navy
What color represents you: “Green represents spring and renewal. It has a calming effect on the eye and produces a sense of peace. I like to think that I possess those qualities.”
Why do you want to be Ms. Senior Jacksonville: “Because I add value to the lives of others and can use this position to make a difference.”
Crystal Glass Molchan, 60, cosmetologist of 44 years
Talent: Drama
Childhood ambition: Become a veterinarian
Life philosophy: “Life is what you make it.”
First job: Cosmetologist
What color represents you: “I like to think of myself as a chameleon, different colors for different days and feelings, but if I have to pick one, it would be red for my fiery spirit.”
Why do you want to be Ms. Senior Jacksonville: “It would be a pleasure to represent my hometown and seniors of surrounding areas at engagements, fundraisers and other community service functions.”
Joyce Johnson, 67, retired owner of motivational speaking/training business
Talent: “The Creation” drama
Childhood ambition: Become a lawyer
Life philosophy: “Everyone is destined for greatness.”
First job: Substitute teacher
What color represents you: “Gold which symbolizes worth (dignity and integrity)”
Why do you want to be Ms. Senior Jacksonville: “To have fun doing something I have never done”
Carolyn Snipes-Neal, 60, retired
Talent: Dramatization
Childhood ambition: Become a singer
Life philosophy: “Respect yourself. It will always surface.”
First job: Member of a funeral home choir
What color represents you: “Purple. It represents love.”
Why do you want to be Ms. Senior Jacksonville: “Because I love Jacksonville, and I wish to show other seniors and the city that it doesn’t matter your size, skin color, language, whether you ride JTA or a BMW … there is so much we have to offer. If we get out and take a stand, you’ll find that seniors rock.”
Deborah Thompson, 67, business owner
Talent: Exercise routine
Childhood ambition: “To be someone that my mother would be proud of”
Life philosophy: “Live, love and be happy”
First job: Clerk of the St. Louis Street Baptist Church
What color represents you: “Yellow because it’s bright and cheerful looking to me.”
Why do you want to be Ms. Senior Jacksonville: “To spread the word the women can age gracefully with proper diet and exercise”
Evelyn Tukes, 65, retired educator and administrator
Talent: Luthurgical dance
Childhood ambition: Become a teacher
Life philosophy: “Love God first and others too.”
First job: Teacher
What color represents you: “Yellow because it is a bright and beautiful color. It is indicative of me because I make the choice in any given situation to rise above darkness despite the circumstance. I choose to let my light shine.”
Why do you want to be Ms. Senior Jacksonville: “It is an honor to be of service to all mankind while using my skills and abilities to promote senior and youth services.”
According to pageant director Kenyonn Demps of A Seasoned Affair, the Ms. Senior Jacksonville Pageant, celebrating its sixth year in 2014, assists women with self confidence, public speaking, talent, making new friends and exploring the world of pageantry.
Channel 4′s Kumasi Aaron will emcee the event.
ALSO, 69-year old Dorothy Gordon is a special guest performer. Check out this video from last year’s pageant. No. Really.
Yours truly appears on First Coast Connect on WJCT every Thursday at 9:45-ish-ish. If you have an event you would like to be consider leave a comment below.
