Ms. Senior Universe Pageant /
Pageant Week
May 2017 / 2016 Board of Governors
Caren Mislinski, Carol Thomas,Connie Ross-Karl,
Elizabeth Purtee, Kathleen “Kat” Ray, Mary McIntosh,
Lynda Delgado, Virginia Werner, / Pageant Week
November 2017
Frequently Asked Questions
We Welcome Your Questions and Comments
Contact:Ms. Senior USA / Universe Pageants, Tele: 800-225-0274,
- Tell us about “Ms. Senior USA.”
•What is its Mission?
Our organization honors and celebrates the lives and accomplishments of senior women over 60. We are the women and daughters of the “The Greatest Generation.” As senior women, we have nurtured our families, our careers and our local communities while surviving personal tragedy, economic depressions, regional conflicts and world wars. We have been present while the nations of the world went to the unthinkable brink of nuclear holocaust. We are strong, savvy, goal-oriented, wise and aware. We display these characteristics in our everyday lives, as people, and as humanitarians who always seek to improve the lives of others. As an organization, we seek to further empower women of all nations and cultures to strive for equality, to achieve their personal best, to make real and meaningful changes and to individually redefine what it means to be a senior woman and role model to the communities of women who will follow us.
•Who are the founders of this organization?
The original members of the Founding Board of Governors are Carol Thomas, Kathleen “Kat” Ray, Connie Ross-Karl, Elizabeth Purtee, Lynda Delgado, Mary McIntosh and Virginia Werner. They are joined by most recently by the Founding Ms. Senior Michigan Caren Mislinski.They are each dynamic, accomplished senior women who represent the North, South, East, West and Central Regions of the country,along with the U.S. Territories, with the intent to be as inclusive as possible to all of these areas and by so doing, encourage participation from all of the states, regions and territories.
Thanks to the senior women on our Board, the reception and growth have been nothing less than spectacular. We are each personally in awe of every one of them, what they have accomplished and what they now and in the future have to offer the country and the world. We have an Advisory Panel from the entertainment industry and are also working with other pageant families to provide more opportunities for our accomplished queens to compete regionally, nationally and on the international level. We are developing a social media program that now is up to over five million views per week and rebuilding a newer and more exciting Universe/USA website All of the Pageant competitions will take place in Las Vegas, and we are in talks with Vegas PBS to film and broadcast the Pageant events. We have also partnered with the UN Commission on the Status of Women and the International Women of the World organizations, and have appointed members of the Board to serve as the Senior UN and World Ambassadors.
•What are the next events and where will they be held?
There are several important events and appearances associated with the Ms. Senior USA Family. For more information on these events, go to the Events page of our website, or write to us at .
Senior Softball/
Senior Rodeo/
Senior OlympicsMs. Senior USA has partnered with these organizations to participatethroughout the United States for appearances by our Founding State Queens and Members of the Board of Governors. For information on an event near you, go to:
Ms. Senior USA/
UniverseOur five (5) day Pageant Week will be held May 17-23, 2017, in Las Vegas, Nevada.The Ms. Senior USA Pageant will always be held between the second week and last week of May. Ms. Senior Universe is held the November following the Ms. Senior USA Pageant. Ms. Senior USA is in the middle of a great two week period of events that includes the Helldorado Days celebrations and Memorial Day. The Pageant Week itinerary will be structured to allow for time differences, age, and the need for rest period between official events, photo opportunities and day and night trips to Schools, the Grand Canyon, the Strip, and much more. The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority and their affiliate, Las Vegas Events, are assisting us with negotiations between several competing host venues, including the billion dollar Smith Center, Venetian Theater, Westgate Theatre, Tropicana Theater, the Orleans and several others.
•How do individuals attend or obtain tickets?
We have introduced the promo code“SENIORUSA” for plane travel, hotel and ground transportation that will encourage family and friends to travel to Las Vegas to cheer their State Queen. Tickets to attend events will first be reserved for participants and their families, friends and state supporters. In addition to the promo code, we are also negotiating additional airfares and room rate discounts for participants to keep the cost of participating low, and these discounts will also apply to families and friends that want to come and show support. For the Pageant finals, sales will be announced online, and seniors and veterans will be free.
•How does one become a contestant in the “Ms. Senior USA Pageant?”
This is a celebration as opposed to a “contest.” We prefer the term “participant” over “contestant.” A candidate to participate will be encouraged to apply by paper application or online. A paper application is provided with this FAQ. The website, is being updated to accommodate both. From the initial pool of candidates, and we have already been in contact with so many fabulous senior women, the Board will choose the Founding Queens from each state who will also be our first inductees into our Senior USA Hall of Fame. Applicants who are not selected as a Founding Queen for the state of their choice will be encouraged to become a Founding Queen from an open state. We prefer those applicants to have some type of affiliation with that state. In the event that a qualified applicant is available but is without affiliation to an open state, we will consider that Queen to be At-Large. If a Founding Queen chooses not to compete, then applications will again be reviewed and new applications accepted for that state’s competitor. Eventually the system will evolve to include local and state pageants from where the State Queens will be chosen.
•What is the cost to participate in the “Ms. Senior USA Pageant?”
There is no cost for the application. If accepted, the overall cost, not including airfare, will be $1,740 (3 payments of $580), and the participant receives:
Founding Queen induction into Ms. Senior USA Hall of Fame, Crown and Sash.
Travel Bag includes personalized polo shirt, hat, car magnets, pen, flashlight key chain, personalized business cards, generic business cards (for media), personalized email, “800” number.
7 night, six day hotel stay at a Las Vegas Strip Corridor Resort (for 2) reserved through Ms. Senior USA.
Promo Code “SENIORUSA” for airfare and ground transportation.
Week Buffet Passes (for 2).
Queens Breakfast, Welcome Dinner, Queens Ball (All for 2).
Photo Package – Video from Pageant (for 2).
•What does the winner of the “Ms. Senior USA Pageant” receive?
In addition to an ever-expanding prize package from sponsors, the top three participants will receive
cost reimbursement, and travel and appearance packages.
$5000 prize money for Ms. Senior USA 2017.
Board of Governors participation for the year of reign.
•What is the program and will there be a bathing suit competition?
The program will run on a fairly standard format with innovations specific to Ms. Senior USA. As for a bathing suit competition, senior women come in all shapes and sizes. The Pageant, in its mission of honoring and celebrating these senior women, also wishes to preserve the dignity of their inner beauty.
•What clothing items should a participant bring?
Black, knee-length cocktail style dress.
Business clothing for Interview.
Opening Number Dress – TBD – Pageant Director will contact you.
Formal Wear – 2 gowns – one for competition and one for Queens Ball. (To save the worry about damage to the competition gown.)
Talent Costume.
Sweater/Wrap for backstage, along with casual clothes for outings and photo opportunities.
Comfortable shoes.
•What else should a participant bring?
Additional items to bring would include a supply of medications, small sewing kit, extra makeup, a postcard for the Souvenir Exchange, and a complete backup of any important video, music, etc. For those challenged as to mobility, sight, etc., and who may require additional assistance, a Queen’s companion will be allowed backstage to assist. There will be additional helpers as necessary, and we have acquired motorized wheelchairs as well. Make-up and hair stations, not less than 2, and as many as 4, will be present. At arrival, there will be a check-in/orientation process where, if something is missing or you need additional assistance, we can help. This includes obtaining walkers and a mobile wheel chair for the participants.
•How are the participants judged?
It is important to remember that this event is to honor and celebrate the concept of what makes a senior woman. That includes recognizing what senior women representthrough their experiences, trials and accomplishments throughout their unique lives from birth to earning the right to be called a Senior Woman. Participants are not so much judged against one-another as opposed to being judged under the framework of an objective criteriaby their peers from the senior world representing the fields of entertainment, business, medicine, the military, academics and society as a whole. The categories include personal interview, philosophy of life, formal wear, talent or accomplishment.
•How are judges chosen?
Our judges are chosen to represent different regions of the country. They are individuals who are fair, honest, intelligent, and compassionate. Many have years of experience as certified pageant judges. They have each achieved a level of success and degree of respect in their professions; have a deep interest in the senior community and a concern for people advancing in today’s society. They have a difficult assignment because their decisions will influence the experience of the participants and the image of the pageant as a whole.
•What is your scoring system?
Scoring is on a 100 point system – 30% Personal Interview, 20% Philosophy of Life, 30% Talent/Accomplishment, and 20%Poise and Formal Wear. There will be 7 Judges, where the highest and lowest scores will be eliminated and Personal Interview breaks a tie.
•How long is the interview process?
An average interview is not a long process, and is determined by the interviewing judge, approximately 2-3 minutes in a “round robin” format. Its purpose is to allow the judge a sense of who the participant is as a senior woman and how the participant views herself in terms of individuality, family and community.
•The stereotype is that pageant judges are looking for a bubbly personality during the interview process. Is there a certain personality type that comes across better to the judges during an interview or judging?
By its very nature, a senior pageant will produce anything but a stereotypical participant. With an average of 50 participants over 60 years of age, Ms. Senior USA will have a group of participants with more than 3,000 years of stories, work histories, families and travel that the average pageant could not match. While personal appearance, style and dress is considered, in general, judges will look more at confidence, poise and a pleasant and approachable personality. Verbal skills, the ability to communicate and the ability to handle stressful situations are important traits. Stage talent is important, but judges will also look for participants who place importance on family and service to their community above themselves. Also, it is VERY important to be on time for all of the scheduled rehearsals/events.From all of that, someone unique will stand out.
•There will be a “stand out” crowned. How many “runner-ups” will there be?
The Board is presently examining the system of Queen/Runner-Up to create a more inclusive form of experience. There will be awards for “Best” in each category, as well as Ms. Senior Congeniality. We also have a category for 75+ called “Super Senior”. The final categories and awards will be determined shortly.
•Do participants receive their scores after the pageant?
The tabulation of scores goes through a rigorous audit process. Following the audit, and unless there is a challenge, score sheets are destroyed as soon as the event is completed and the new reigning queen and other awards announced. Sometime after the Pageant, we will contact each participant to discuss with them any concerns and how to make the Pageant a better experience. By doing this we hope to encourage everyone to continue to support Ms. Senior USA and help to build the organization in their respective states.
•What will be the responsibilities of the Queen after she is selected “Ms. Senior USA”?
The new reigning Queen will serve as the representative of the Ms. Senior USA organization and Pageant,will make media appearancesto promote the Pageant, and participate with the Board of Governors to organize the Pageant in the coming year as the Board believes necessary. Ms. Senior USA will also be expected to compete in the Ms. Senior Universe Pageant the following November 2017.
•What (if any) are some of the common mistakes a participant can make?
Trying to be someone or something you are not. At our age, we tend to be “out there” and more open about who we are. Trying to change 60+ years of personality, habits, and looks – while possible – often serves to hide the real person. The real person is more often a much more beautiful and poised individual than something created only for a pageant. Eventually, the real you will peek out and thedisconnectbetween the “real you” and the “pageant you” could diminish an otherwise impressive performance.
•Do you think pageants have changed throughout the years?
No and yes. The standard “under 30 years of age pageants” have really changed very little in terms of what they are. The changes that have occurred are the increase in “kids” pageants, and “mature” pageants that involve married and mature women.
•As previous Honorees, if the Members of the Board were going to talk to the participants what advice would you give?
Be yourself, have fun and enjoy the experience of being with fabulous women who share your values. This is the Senior of Senior Proms – and each participant is the Belle of the Ball.
•How does one become involved to support the Pageant?
There are many ways to help and support – volunteering on the local or state level, social media, placing an advertisement on our Pageant Programs or on the website, and by becoming a sponsor. Our sponsors will benefit from a social media program that receives over five million views per week and is expanding into partnerships with established media such as L’Vegue and Pageantry Magazine. We give a shout out and appreciation for the more than 650,000 additional Likes from reposts by the lovely Miss Universe Queen P! @OfficialPiaAlonzoWurtzbachPage. For more information, email us at .
•And lastly, what does the Board want the legacy of this pageant to be?
We hope the legacy will be that with each Pageant, we again accomplish our Mission Statement. We want the participants to have a great experience and a sense of pride of who they are and what they have accomplished as senior women; and we hope the participants, in telling their stories, leave behind something from which younger generations of women can learn and build upon.
We Welcome Your Questions and Comments! Contact:
Ms. Senior USA / Universe Pageants
8174 S. Las Vegas Blvd., No. 109-15, Las Vegas, Nevada 89123
Toll Free: 1-800-225-0274 Fax: 1-800-381-0864
FAQ Rev. 7.2 12/12/2016