April 20, 2021
By: Dwayne Page
Beautiful ladies from across Tennessee including one from DeKalb County competed in the annual Ms. Tennessee Senior America pageant held Saturday , April 17 at the historic Palace Theatre in Crossville.
Susan Hinton of Smithville, the first ever contestant from DeKalb County in the pageant, captured the “People’s Choice Award “ and received a crown, flowers, and sash along with $100. She represented the DeKalb County Fair, Grandpa Fair of the South, in the contest.
Hinton was among sixteen contestants vying for the crown. The 2021 Ms. Tennessee Senior America is Regina Elliott of Knoxville. Elliott succeeds the retiring Ms Tennessee Senior America Susan England of Sparta.
The Ms. Senior America Pageant is the world’s first and foremost pageant to emphasize and give honor to women who have reached the “Age of Elegance.” It is a search for the gracious lady who best exemplifies the dignity, maturity and inner beauty of all senior Americans. The Ms. Senior America philosophy is based upon the belief that seniors are the foundation of America, and our most valuable treasure. It is upon their knowledge, experience and resources that the younger generation has the opportunity to build a better society.
Contestants must be at least 60 years of age and a Tennessee resident. Prior entrance in other pageants is not required.
Judging is based on interview, philosophy of life, talent presentation and evening gown appearance.
“My philosophy of life platform was about literacy education and that you are never too old to learn because it is not where you start but where you finish that counts,” said Hinton, a longtime educator.
Hinton’s talent presentation was a classical piano performance.
The Ms Tennessee Senior America pageant serves as the preliminary to the Ms Senior America Pageant.