New queen crowned in North Carolina’s annual senior pageant

The pageant featured eight contestants
The pageant featured eight contestants
Jennifer Tuttle Gentle will compete in the national pageant scheduled for October in Atlantic City, New Jersey
Jennifer Tuttle Gentle will compete in the national pageant scheduled for October in Atlantic City, New Jersey

PINEHURST – Wednesday, March 29th, the MS North Carolina Senior America Pageant was the center of excitement for eight beautiful and talented senior ladies from the state of North Carolina.

Jennifer Tuttle Gentle from Winston-Salem was honored with the title and crown of “MS North Carolina Senior America 2023.” This lucky lady will represent North Carolina in the National Pageant to be held October 15-20, 2023, in Atlantic City, NJ at the Tropicana Hotel. She and other state Queens will compete for the National title of MS Senior America 2023/24.

Ronetta Walker, also of Winston-Salem, was chosen as 1st runner up; Sherry Beck (Lexington) was 2nd runner up; and Suzi Wallace Fire (Denton) was 3rd runner-up. Pat Wilson (Spring Lake) won the MS Congeniality award and Cheryl Mills (Murphy) won the People’s Choice Award. Others that participated in the pageant were: Rebecca Handley (Grimesland), and Shirley Cook (Trinity).

The Directors, Beverly A. Wetherbie (Ms Virginia Senior America 2005) and Polly King, (MS North Carolina Senior America 2015), along with Jeff Aydelette, Master of Ceremonies from Arapahoe, provided an exciting production of beauty and talent. Jeff is the publisher of the County Compass.

Entertainment was provided by the “Sophisticated Ladies”, a Moore County Broadway style dance group, that has entertained in the area since 1972.

The pageant was also honored to have three National Queens in attendance, Barbara Mauldin, MS SR AM 2015, Laura Morgan, MS SR AM 2020/21 and our reigning MS SR AM 2022/23. The three presented a song and dance to the song “Sisters”.

The North Carolina Senior America Pageant is a non-profit organization which seeks to enhance the image of women who have reached the “Age of Elegance”, 60 years or better. The Pageant honors the gracious woman who best exemplifies dignity, maturity, and inner beauty. For further information on becoming a candidate or sponsor for the Senior America 2024 Pageant call State Co-Directors Bev Wetherbie 910-944-8171, or Polly King, 910-629-5582 or visit Senior America’s website www.mssenioramericallc.com or the state website www.ncsenioramerica.com .