Hopkins County Native Wilma Thompson Crowned 2021 Ms. Hopkins County Sr. Classic!

“Changing the Face of Aging” is the theme of the Ms. Senior Classic Pageant, open to ladies age 60 and older.

Director Karon Weatherman, 2021 ‘Queen’ Wilma Thompson and 2019/2020 ‘Queen’ Vender Wright
Outgoing Vender Wright blessed everyone with her rendition of “Just Stand”

Ten contestants initially entered, but due to various circumstances, only seven were able to be present on June 12 for the 2021 Ms. Hopkins County Senior Classic Pageant in the banquet hall of the Civic Center in Sulphur Springs. Like many other public events, last year’s contest could not be held due to the pandemic. Thus, in the 12th year since the competition began, Wilma Thompson became the 11th to wear the crown and sash of Ms. Hopkins County Senior Classic. She was crowned before a large audience by outgoing ‘Queen’ Vender Wright and Pageant Director Karon Weatherman.

Winners are:

Nancy Bolton for the 2021 Clydene Fielden Memorial Leadership Award (Nancy is a Ms. Texas Classic winner and runner-up in previous local and state pageants)

Linda Pickle Hill for the 2021 Spirit Award

Ticket Sales Winner, Patsy Cowan

Best Personality, Sharon Baker

Best Evening Gown, Valerie Ross

Best Philosophy of Life, Elizabeth Wilburn

Best Interview, Nancy Roy

Most Talented, Linda Pickle Hill

Miss Congeniality, Patsy Cowan

Second Runner Up, Patsy Cowan

First Runner Up, Elizabeth Wilburn

Ms. Hopkins County Senior Classic 2021, Wilma Thompson

Ms. Texas Senior Classic 2019/2020 Regina Money
Weatherman awards the Clydene Fielden Memorial Leadership Award to Nancy Bolton (Fielden’s sister) who has provided strong support for the pageant for numerous years

Talent presentations ranging from comedy skits, readings and recitations to singing and clowning provided great entertainment. The interviews with judges consisted of each contestant’s answer to a random question she selected. And each contestant was resplendent as she modeled a formal evening gown as her philosophy of life was read aloud.

Linda Pickle Hill wins Most Talented and Spirit Award (with her service dog)

When the four judges turned in their scores and tabulation took place, more entertainment was provided by Ms. Texas Senior Classic 2019/2020 Regina Money, Ms. Hopkins County Sr. 2009 Stella Bagley and Ms Hopkins County 2019/2020 Vender Wright. More entertainment was provided by the duo ‘Sentimental Journey’ Mike Shing and Enola Gay who also served as Emcees along with Chuck Roy, editor of the Community Chronicle newspaper. Story and video of the pageant can be seen on ksstradio.com and on the KSST YouTube Channel.

First Runner Up Elizabeth Wilburn also received the Best Philosophy of Life award

The Texas Senior Classic pageant series is a ‘celebration of the senior woman and the changing face of aging’. Contestants are judged in three categories; talent, evening gown/philosophy of life and interview with judges. Winners and runners-up may advance to the Ms. Texas Senior Classic Pageant, to be held in Tyler in September 2021. For more information, contact Karon Weatherman at the Sulphur Springs Senior Citizens Center, 150 MLK Drive or phone 903-885-1661.

Best Personality Award Sharon Baker
Best Interview Nancy Roy
Best Evening Gown Valerie Ross
Ticket Sales winner Patsy Cowan is also Miss Congeniality and Second Runner-Up
The very first Ms. Hopkins County Sr. Stella Bagley is known for rousing gospel music provided by Cassie Edwards on keyboard
Co-emcees MIke Shing and Enola Gay get help in ticket drawing
The new Ms. Hopkins County Sr. Classic is escorted to the stage by Chuck Roy and Mike Shing
2021 ‘Queen’ Wilma Thompson assumes her title with a smile, crown, sash, bouquet, trophy and framed certificate
L. to R. Valerie Ross, Wilma Thompson, Stella Bagley and Sharon Baker

Author: Enola Gay

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