Debbie Miller of Florida was crowned Ms. Senior America 2026-27 during the national pageant at Tropicana Atlantic City, concluding a week of competition, performances and events celebrating women ages 60 and older.
As outgoing national queen Dee Anne Meece took her final walk and crowned her successor, the program reflected the pageant’s focus on inclusion, community and camaraderie.
State winners from across the country traveled to Atlantic City to compete for the national title. New Jersey representative Jacqueline Jetter advanced to the top 12 at the start of the competition.
The finalists competed in talent, evening gown and Philosophy of Life categories. Judges’ interviews, conducted before the live pageant, accounted for 30% of each contestant’s score. Talent accounted for 30%, while evening gown and Philosophy of Life each counted for 20%.
Dr. Al Mott founded the Ms. Senior America Pageant in 1972, during an era when many older Americans lacked financial security and access to robust health care. The pageant was created to recognize senior women and their service to their communities. Contestants must be at least 60 years old.
Mott’s slogan was, “Taking women from the rocking chair to the runway.”
The organization is led by President Denise Russo-Caiazzo and CEO Floyd Caiazzo. This year’s talent presentations included rock singing, piano, belly dancing, tap dancing, spoken word and opera.
Throughout the week, contestants participated in events while sharing their talents and personal philosophies, performing community service and building friendships.
Jim Cerminaro provided entertainment for the “Meet Me in Paris” ball. Crooner Max Valentino performed during the finals, along with several dance troupes, former pageant winners and performance groups within the organization. Many former winners and contestants continue to support the pageant in other roles.
Natalie Oliver-Atherton, the 2024-25 national winner, and Ms. Arizona Senior America Marice Kunz served as emcees for the final day of competition.
This year’s judges included Deborah Keith, Mizzouri, Jim Thompson, Dr. Doris Hartell and Pete Trabucco. Steve Newport served as judges liaison chairperson, and Patricia Lewis served as pageant tabulator.
Other members of the production team included board member and showcase coordinator Denise Meechan, photographer Serri McGhie, and DJ and sound coordinator Sam Fanelli.
Sponsor Laura Geller Beauty supported the pageant by providing awards, cosmetics and mentorship. New Jersey leaders Johanne Santori and Terry Brightman Meade were also recognized for their leadership, mentorship and professionalism.
Special awards were presented to contestants from several states:
- Ms. Congeniality: Terri Cowan of Indiana
- Ms. Photogenic: Susan Woloohojian of Vermont
- Community Service Award: Pamela Pearce of Michigan
- People’s Choice Award: Octavia Jackson of Delaware
- Ambassador Award: Ping “Rose” Guo of West Virginia
- Top-scoring talent by a nonfinalist: Betty Entzminger of the District of Columbia
The national competition results were:
- Winner: Debbie Miller, Ms. Florida Senior America
- First runner-up: Sandy Elliott, Ms. Tennessee Senior America
- Second runner-up: Colleen Costigan, Ms. Colorado Senior America
- Third runner-up: Rosemary Bennett, Ms. Texas Senior America
- Fourth runner-up: Susan Shewbridge, Ms. Kentucky Senior America
Contestants will continue representing the organization by appearing and performing in their communities and advocating for the organizations and events they support.
