The 38th MS SENIOR AMERICA PAGEANT is now history, and a new National QUEEN has been crowned. State QUEENS came from near and far to Resorts in Atlantic City last week, to participate in the annual week long Pageant which celebrates life after 60.
The Show began with entertainer Lou Parisi, who sang an original song he wrote, "The Little Girl Inside", to the CLASS OF 2018,
and ended with the crowning of this year's new QUEEN. From left to right are: Alicia Windsong Diamond/VA-4th RU; Theresa Rothschild Hall/TN-2nd RU; Gayle Novak/CO-MSSA2018; Suzie Neustadter/NJ-1st RU; and Catherine Whitaker/UT-3rd RU. Besides the QUEEN, the 1st Runner Up is a highly sought after position, and a discerning panel of judges found Suzie Neustadter, MS NEW JERSEY SENIOR AMERICA 2018 worthy. If, for any reason, the QUEEN is unables to carry out her duties during the year of her reign, the crown and title goes to the 1st Runner Up.
Pageant week is always an exciting time for the contestants, family and friends, and the National Senior Alumnae Association. NSAA as it is known, is a "sisterhood" of past State and National QUEENS, who attend the National Pageant each year to support their State QUEEN, to maintain friendships with their sisters, and to make new ones. NSAA also awards the QUEEN and her Court with financial prizes. The following is the week in review, and QUEEN Suzie's journey.
QUEENS gathered together for a
meet n' greet at the QUEENS Orientation Dinner, on Sunday evening. Suzie's entourage included, Johanne Santori/MNJSA'06, and NJ State Pageant Administrator, Rebecca Orsatti/MSNJS'10, Carolyn Slade Harden/MSSA'17, and Suzie Neustadter/MSNJSA'18. Also in attendance, but not in the photo was Terry Meade/MSNJSA EXECUTIVE STATE PAGEANT DIRECTOR.
The QUEENS spent all day on Monday in rehearsal, but in the evening, QUEEN Suzie joined her entourage for dinner at Gallagher's Burger Bar.
Carolyn Slade Harden, MS SENIOR AMERICA 2017, began all three days of the MS SENIOR AMERICA NATIONAL PAGEANT with a beautiful patriotic medley. On Thursday, she gave a lovely farewell presentation, and received a standing ovation from the audience for her performance.
On Wednesday contestants and the public attended the CAMEO BALL for an evening of good food and fun. Norma McGhie/MSNJSA'95, was one of 4 recipients who were awarded the title of Honorary MS SENIOR AMERICA.
As was mentioned, it was an evening of fun, and here, guests danced the night way. In the forground, Millie Tate is responding to Johanne Santori's sultry move!
The table centerpieces were made of pink and purple feathers, and Josephine Araniti/MSNJSA'07, thought it would make a great hat!
The QUEENS CHOIR, under the direction of Josephine Araniti/MSNJSA' 07, was the opening act at Tuesday night's Welcome Show, and also performed at the Pageant. They performed
"With Love, from Motown", which was a salute to Dianna Ross and the Supremes.
There were several dance groups that performed at the Pageant. Here, the NEW JERSEY STAR DANCERS literally lit up the stage with neon lights on their costumes, and saucy dance steps to the music of
"Saturday Night Fever".
Terry Meade supplied QUEEN Suzie's supporters with NEW JERSEY CAMEO CLUB crowns which lit up. Sadly to say,
"Sam", the sound man, noticed the lights and told them to turn them off. Johanne, Terry, Carole, and Carolyn sadly, but dutifully complied.
Thursday was the Final Pageant, and all the QUEENS were called to the stage. A uneasy silence fell over the audience as everyone waited for the top 10 to be called. When QUEEN Suzie's name was called, her supporters cheered with excitement. With the exception of the Judges Interview, the previous scores were thrown out and the 10 finalists began to compete anew. In the Evening Gown Catogory, Suzie looked poised and elegant, as she glided effortlessly across the stage. Her Philosophy of Life was positive and uplifting.
For her Talent, she sang
"Home", from the hit Broadway Musical, THE WIZ. Her voice was strong, and for her emotional rendition, she received a standing ovation from the audience.
QUEEN Suzie returns to the Garden State to resume her role as MS NEW JERSEY SENIOR AMERICA 2018, and to a very busy schedule of appearances in the year ahead. Kudos to an outstanding delegate who represented the State New Jersey at the MS SENIOR AMERICA PAGEANT 2018.
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