Patricia Hyatt is all smiles when she talks about the past year as Ms. Senior Georgia-Carolina 2008-09.
"I wanted people to see that just because we are getting older, it doesn't mean that we aren't vibrant and exciting," said the 68-year-old office manager for the career center at Augusta State University. "Age doesn't keep you from going out there, living life and helping others."
Last year was her fourth as a contestant in the pageant, which is for women ages 60 and older. In 2006, she was the second runner-up, and in 2007 she was the first runner-up, she said.
"I guess you can say I worked my way up," she said with a laugh.
Since winning the title, she has visited nursing homes; participated in Christmas parades, including one in her hometown of McCormick, S.C.; attended ribbon cuttings; and had many speaking engagements, one as far away as Durham, N.C.
On Saturday, Mrs. Hyatt will pass the crown to someone else during the pageant at ASU's Grover C. Maxwell Performing Arts Theatre.
"It's been an interesting and exciting year," she said. "I've meet some amazing people of all backgrounds. It's truly been a joy."
She plans to continue doing many of the things she has done as the titleholder, she said.
Ms. Hyatt has one piece of advice for the next Ms. Senior Georgia-Carolina: "Be yourself."
"It's truly an honor and a pleasure," she said of the yearlong reign. "Just be yourself, and you'll enjoy every minute of it."
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