Celebrating women who exemplify grace, talent and inner beauty beyond age 60, the Ms. Senior America competition is unlike any other pageant. Established to honor women who have reached what organizers call the “Age of Elegance,” the competition emphasizes poise, personality, talent and life philosophy. Contestants are judged not only on their evening wear and interviews but also on their talent and personal outlook, making the event as inspiring as it is entertaining.
This year’s Ms. New Jersey Senior America Pageant took place on Thursday, May 29, at Harrah’s Atlantic City with the theme “A Salute to Hollywood.” The pageant brought together a remarkable group of women from across the state to share their talents, life stories and positive spirit.
Once contestants compete at the state level, they become members of the Cameo Club — affectionately referred to as “Cameo Sisters.” This group performs throughout New Jersey at senior centers, libraries and community venues. At this year’s pageant, the Cameo Club performed a lively rendition of “Singin’ in the Rain,” including a standout number by a 98-year-old dancer — proving that age is truly just a number.
The evening also featured special guest and reigning National Ms. Senior America, Natalie Oliver-Atherton, who traveled from Colorado to attend. Her performance of “Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow” brought the audience to its feet.
Outgoing 2024 Queen Lenore Cibelli-Lambert took her final walk and delivered a heartfelt performance of “Looking Through the Eyes of Love.” Her husband, Al Lambert — renowned singer and leader of the Al Lambert Orchestra — also performed in tribute. Emcee and musical director Steve Berger, along with singer Max Valentino, rounded out the evening’s entertainment.
This year’s diverse talent showcase included singers, dancers, poets and even a show-stopping belly dance. Behind the scenes, State Administrator Johanne Santori and State Pageant Director Terry Meade led a dedicated team including the Hostess Committee, national administrators, stage directors and the Board of Directors. Choreographer Melanie Brough and “Grande Dames Chorus” director Josephine Araniti also played key roles in the show’s success.
The judging panel featured David Wincek, Marie Nichols, Doloris Cannon Fair, Pete Trabucco and Maisha Moore.
The 2025 Ms. New Jersey Senior America winners are:
Miss Congeniality: Bernadette Jones (Trenton)
Third Runner-Up: Anita Broach (Hamilton)
Second Runner-Up: Dale Browndorf (Margate)
First Runner-Up: Stevi Fore (Burlington)
Ms. New Jersey Senior America 2025: Vin Iyer, originally from India and now residing in New Jersey
Vin Iyer will go on to represent New Jersey in the National Ms. Senior America Pageant this fall — also to be held in Atlantic City.
Congratulations to all the contestants for a truly inspiring evening celebrating beauty, wisdom and lifelong dreams.
