From The Tribune staff reports
FLORENCE — The winners of 2022 Ms. Senior Alabama and Ms. Super Senior Alabama (MSSA) were announced during the pageant in Marriott Shoals, Florence, Alabama, on Saturday, July 23.
Ms. Senior Alabama Court 2022. (Photo courtesy of Kim Crawford-Meeks)
According to Ms. Senior Alabama, Inc., Chair, Board of Directors, Kim Crawford-Meeks, for the first time ever, a mother of a Miss America won Ms. Senior Alabama (MSA). Susan Downs of Cahaba Heights won MSA 2022 and Carol Hara of Dothan MSSA 2022.
“We gave an honorary crown/title to Helen Keller through the Executive Director of Ivy Green and donated a portion of People’s Choice funds to Rachel’s Gift,” Crawford-Meeks said. “Our platinum sponsors were Wings Across Alabama, a warm line providing mental health support 24/7, Amazing Grace Farms providing support for the aging, and Alabama Department of Senior Services.”
Of the 17 competitors in this year’s pageant, there were also others awarded:
- Runners-up Ms. Senior Alabama
- 1st runner-up: Ms. Senior East Jefferson County, Laura Stephens of Trussville;
- 2nd runner-up; Ms. Senior Helena, Kathy Paiml;
- 3rd runner-up, Ms. Senior Marshall County, Angie Carter;
- 4th runner-up, Ms. Senior Magic City, Pauline Murphy.
- Runners-up Ms. Super Senior Alabama
- 1st runner-up, Ms. Super Senior St. Clair County, Elizabeth Fell;
- 2nd runner-up, Ms. Super Senior Birmingham, Rosia Underwood.
- Ms. Congeniality: Ms. Super Senior St. Clair County, Elizabeth Fell;
- Most Photogenic: Ms. Senior Centerpoint, Gloria Williams;
- People’s Choice: Ms. Senior East Jefferson County, Laura Stephens.
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Pageant Promoter Super Star through Most Tickets Sold: Angie Carter
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Community Support Super Star through Most Ads Sold: Angie Carter
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Shining Star through combined Ads Sold & People’s Choice: Shirley Hamilton
Miss UNA Claire Hendrickson performed through dance, and up-and-coming Alabama country star 9-year-old Evan Riley sang.
“Women supporting women of all ages,” Crawford-Meeks said.
Ms. Super Senior Alabama Carol Hara. (Photo courtesy of Kim Crawford-Meeks)
MSSA 2022 Carol Hara owned four retail stores, which were voted 1 of 5 top stores in the US by Sanrio, Inc. She participated in more than 40 events in one year and won the 4H International Alabama Volunteer of the Year Award. Her theatrical storytelling mesmerizes audiences of all ages.
“Through our trials and tribulations, we senior women have a lot to offer with our experiences that we can share with other senior women,” Hara said. “We can help ourselves to be the best that we can be by watching our health, exercising our minds and bodies, and getting involved with our communities.”
Hara’s said her recipe for success was at a young age; she saw her parent’s work ethic and applied that to her life.
“I’m very passionate in everything I do, being diligent and thorough in any undertakings,” Hara said. “For me, success is not measured in material wealth.”
Hara’s philosophy of life comes from her American-born parents, Henry and June, of Japanese descent. They were relocated from California to Arkansas and incarcerated in a prison camp, where Hara was born and spent the first three years of her life.
“Therefore, my philosophy is that no matter where one comes from, no matter what circumstances and adversities we face when we strive for positivity in our life, we can overcome any obstacles,” Hara said.
Ms. Senior Cahaba Valley 2022, Susan Downs, wins the coveted title of Ms. Senior Alabama 2022 and will compete in Ms. Senior World, November 8-12, 2022, in Biloxi, Mississippi.
Ms. Senior Alabama 2022 Susan Downs (Photo courtesy of Kim Crawford-Meeks)
Downs is a Samford University and the University of Louisville graduate and has experience as a teacher, school administrator, and educational consultant. She is the founder and executive director of a local non-profit, Kids Play Alabama, and currently works for Mountain Brook City Schools as a Gifted Specialist.
Downs has judged pageants at the local and state level for over 20 years, including Miss Alabama and Miss Louisiana. She has also served as the director of the Miss Metropolitan and Miss Steel City pageants, local preliminary pageants to Miss Alabama. In addition, downs worked extensively with the planning and grassroots efforts of the Curing Childhood Cancer car tag. This Alabama specialty car tag has raised over two million dollars for childhood cancer research. She has two grown children and two grandchildren and is the mother of Miss America 2005, Deidre Downs Gunn. Her interests include reading and architectural design.
“As senior women, we have the opportunity to use our life experiences, leadership, and resilience to make a positive impact in the communities where we live,” Downs said. “Over the next 15 years, people aged 65 and older will outnumber those 18 and under for the first time in our history. By staying connected, giving back, and sharing our talents, we can be the example for others to follow.
“Success is not always easy, but I have found that attitude and an adventurous spirit have helped me tremendously. I intentionally make a choice each day to be happy. Rather than be bitter or unhappy with circumstances, I choose to find joy as much as possible. I also welcome opportunities which take me out of my comfort zone. Opening myself up to new experiences has resulted in rewarding opportunities which I would not have otherwise experienced. Success looks different for each person, but for me, attitude has been the critical ingredient.”
Down’s philosophy of life is “Dare to dream!”
Super Seniors 2022 court. (Photo courtesy of Kim Crawford-Meeks)
“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 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 its fullest each and every day, grab every opportunity, and dare to dream what you thought was impossible.”
For more information on entering as a delegate, volunteer, or sponsor, visit mssenioralabama.com, send an email to: mssenioralabamainc@gmail.com, or call Kim at 205-381-6767.
