We were walking through the beautiful Tropicana Hotel and Casino on Thursday, Oct. 9, standing at the precipice of the gorgeous stage when the announcement came. Deeana Meece, Ms. Texas, was the winner of the 2025/2026 Ms. Senior America Pageant National Competition. Her grace, talent, and philosophy of life had impressed judges and audience alike.
The Ms. Senior America Pageant was founded in 1972 by Dr. Al Mott, a former 20th Century Fox recording artist turned minister, who wanted to uplift senior women at a time when few such opportunities existed. In 1981, he changed the name from Ms. Senior Citizen to Ms. Senior America, reflecting his vision to take women “from the rocking chair to the runway.”
That vision continues today under the leadership of Floyd and Denise Caiazzo, who serve as pageant CEOs. Their own story began when Floyd entered his teenage sweetheart, Denise, into the Miss Pocono 500 Pageant years ago – and she won. Nearly 48 years of marriage later, they’re still a team, bringing that same joy and partnership to this national event.
They are supported by National Pageant Director Kat Finelli, National Creative Director Diane DeSalvo-Beebe, New Jersey State Administrator Johanne Santori, and Director of Pageants Terry Meade, whose combined effort helps make the pageant the success it is today.
Each contestant must be at least 60 years old, a U.S. citizen, and of good moral character. They prepare their own talent routines, music, and gowns, and they compete in four categories – interview, talent, evening gown, and philosophy of life. The emphasis is on inner beauty, dignity, and the wisdom that comes with experience, all of which reflect the pageant’s theme: “The Age of Elegance.”
This year, Ms. Senior New Jersey, Vin Iyer, who won her state crown at Harrah’s Resort Casino in May, represented New Jersey beautifully at the national competition. Her incredible belly dance routine helped earn her a spot in the Top 12. Another familiar face from the Garden State, Bernadette Jones, participated as the representative from the U.S. Virgin Islands.
The week-long competition was filled with interviews, rehearsals, and friendship. On the final evening, each finalist shared her personal philosophy of life while showcasing her evening gown.
The range of talents this year was exceptional: singers, dancers, pianists, and even a live painter who dedicated her work to America’s soldiers. It also featured performances from former winners and entertainers, including Max Valentino and Bobby Fischetti, as well as lively dance numbers.
The judges – Steve Newport, Patricia Lewis, Jim Thompson, Pat Delsordo, Dr. Jeff Morgan, Debbie Carroll-Boyce, Danielia Cotton, and Amber Milt – had the difficult job of selecting the finalists and winner.
Cosmetics icon Laura Geller Beauty sponsored this year’s pageant, introducing a new Ms. Photogenic award, which went to Ms. Arizona, Brenda Wolfe.
The Top 12 Finalists were:
- Ms. Georgia – Cherie Bowe
- Ms. Mississippi – Belinda Kay Breeding Duke
- Ms. Ohio – Terri Cowan
- Ms. New Jersey – Vin Iyer
- Ms. Texas – Deeana Meece
- Ms. Virginia – Debra Canale
- Ms. Connecticut – Robin Kencel
- Ms. Missouri – Gloria Jean Vann
- Ms. North Carolina – Dr. Ann Nivens
- Ms. West Virginia – Dr. Barbara Lancaster
- Ms. Arizona – Brenda Wolfe
- Ms. Tennessee – Terry Coulter
Final Results:
- 4th Runner-Up – Ms. Arizona, Brenda Wolfe
- 3rd Runner-Up – Ms. Connecticut, Robin Kencel
- 2nd Runner-Up – Ms. Ohio, Terri Cowan
- 1st Runner-Up – Ms. Tennessee, Terry Coulter
Winner – Ms. Texas, Deeana Meece, crowned by 2024–2025 winner Natalie Oliver Atherton
For more information, visit www.MsSeniorAmericaPageant.com.
Photos by Ava Holly and Don Hurley
