GOOD NEWS
‘ Dare to Dream ’ with the Ms . Senior Alabama Contestants
By Kelly Wheeler
Dare to Dream with Senior Women from all over the state of Alabama on June 10 , 2023 , in Birmingham .
There will be 20 delegates representing different counties throughout our state ; the most ever to compete in the Alabama pageant , including Cullman County .
Fairview Senior Center manager , Angie Carter , who placed 2nd runner up in the state pageant last July , as Ms . Marshall County 2022 , will once again compete for the title . This year , though , she will represent Cullman as Ms . Senior Cullman 2023 .
According to state pageant director , Kim Crawford- Meeks , Ms . Senior Alabama , Inc ., is a non-profit 501 © ( 3 ) organization dedicated to enriching the lives of senior women , while offering opportunities for them to share their experiences , wisdom , and interest with others .
“ We are really excited about this year ’ s pageant because we have grown tremendously ,” said Meeks . “ There will be 20 delegates competing in June and that is the most we have ever had .”
This year ’ s Ms . Senior Alabama pageant will take place on Saturday June 10th at Oak Mountain High School in Birmingham .
Competition will start at 2 p . m . Tickets are $ 20 and can be bought online .
The theme for this year also originated from Susan Downs , Ms . 2022 Ms . Senior Alabama , philosophy of life that stated :
“ Dare to dream ! Life is a journey and opportunities and adventures don ’ t always find us , we have to find them . Search for ways to grow , whether it is learning a new skill , taking a new class , joining a group , making a new friend or volunteering where needed . I decided to make a life-long dream come true at age 65 when I founded a non-profit . I am constantly amazed at the impact that decision has had on my
life . Experience life to it ’ s fullest each and every day , grab every opportunity and dare to dream what you thought was impossible .”
All of the queens also had the opportunity on April 1st to attend Chicos throughout the State of Alabama to help promote the state from Spanish Fort and Dothan , to Huntsville , Tuscaloosa , all in between in Montogmery and Birmingham .
“ This is something we were very excited to do this year as an organization ,” said Crawford-Meeks .
Carter , who competed last year in an effort to live out her late mother ’ s dying wish for her to enter the senior pageant when she turned 60 , said she loves being a part of this program for many reasons .
“ But honestly , one main reason , is because it promotes confidence and strives to build self-esteem through encouragement of peers . The delegates , including myself , are able to form friendship and network all over the State of Alabama ,” said Carter .
Meeks explained that the goal of the pageant has always been to inspire women to pursue interests and dreams through the message that ‘ it is never too late , and you always have a purpose .”
Ms . Senior Alabama , Inc . has been in existence since 1987 . The organization is made up of a Board of Directors who volunteer their time to ensure that Ms . Senior Alabama , Inc ., has the necessary resources to carry out its purpose of funding the Ms . Senior Alabama State Pageant .
Ms . Senior Alabama , Inc . functions exclusively for charitable , educational and entertainment purposes to keep older adults informed on matters of interest to them and their welfare .
In a statement on the Facebook page , the mission of Ms . Senior Alabama , Inc ., is to provide advocacy for senior women via statewide organization . This organization will administer its program in an efficient and effective manner .
12 | SUMMER 2023
CULLMAN COUNTY SENIOR MAGAZINE