Kathleen Ernce enjoys seeing contestants in the Ms. Senior Georgia-Carolina pageant interact each year.
"They create a lot of friendships," said the pageant founder. "There's not a 'I'm going to win and push everyone else to the side' type mentality. It's more like, 'If you need help with anything, I'm here to help.' They continue those friendships through the year, and that is what has made this pageant so wonderful."
The 13th annual pageant will be Saturday evening at Augusta State University's Grover C. Maxwell Performing Arts Theatre.
The pageant's goal has been "to promote aging in a positive manner," Mrs. Ernce said. The pageant features women 60 and older from Augusta and the surrounding area.
"These ladies are active and involved, energetic, out in the community teaching classes, taking classes, taking trips," she said. "They aren't letting their age define them."
Contestants will compete in the following categories: evening gown, philosophy of life, talent and judges' interview.
"It's so exciting to see them have the nerve to get on stage in front of hundreds of people and be in the spotlight by themselves," Mrs. Ernce said. "That's when they really shine."
There are also two new additions in this year's event: a People's Choice award and a silent auction, she said.
Proceeds from the event will go toward scholarships for nontraditional students enrolled, or about to be enrolled, in an accredited program in gerontology.
Reach Nikasha Dicks at (706) 823-3336 or nikasha.dicks@augustachronicle.com.
IF YOU GO
WHAT: Ms. Senior Georgia-Carolina pageant
WHEN: 7 p.m. Saturday
WHERE: Augusta State University's Grover C. Maxwell Performing Arts Theatre, 2500 Walton Way
COST: $10
INFORMATION: (706) 825-7624
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