Ms. Senior Pennsylvania proud of her state
Although Ms. Senior Pennsylvania Renelda Thomas of Uniontown didn’t win the national title of Ms. Senior America, she left the recent competition feeling proud of her state. And that boost came from other Pennsylvanians.
“I never saw so many people come up to me and say ‘Hi, Miss Pennsylvania! Where are you from?’ recalled Thomas, who was required to wear her state crown and banner throughout the competition, which took place Nov. 10-16 at the Imperial Palace Hotel.
Thomas continued, “When I was in elevators, restrooms – constantly people were asking ‘Where are you from?’ They’d say ‘I’m from Pennsylvania’ and that made you feel proud. They’d say ‘Good luck’ and ‘Wish you the best.’ There was a bus from Lancaster. They were from Pittsburgh, Altoona – all different parts of the state. That was nice. It made you feel really proud.’
Thomas, a retired educator and artist who won her state title in May, lost the national crown to Miss Senior Texas Mary Virginia Tuinstra, a member of the Dallas Opera Company and the Dallas Symphony Chorus.
Altogether, 33 women competed for the title, which, according to the Ms. Senior America Web site, honors “women who have reached the ‘Age of Elegance.’ It is a search for the gracious lady who best exemplifies the dignity, maturity and inner beauty of all senior Americans.’
Thomas noted that none of the women who didn’t win were sad because they enjoyed the friendships they made.
As the women were required to stand in alphabetical order of their states for various events, Thomas made friends with Miss Oregon, Miss Ohio, Miss New Jersey and Miss Maryland. They women have already corresponded since returning home with Miss Oregon sending the message “to my buddy who stood behind me…’
“It was a great experience,’ said Thomas.
She drove to Mississippi with her daughter Lois Stasulis of Vienna, Va., who stayed a few days. Then Thomas was joined by another daughter, Lori Frazee of Frederick, Md.
Altogether, Thomas has five children.
“Everybody was friendly in Mississippi,’ Thomas noted.
Meanwhile, Thomas keeps busy meeting the demands of her state title, which includes making personal appearances.
“It has been a unique and satisfying honor,’ Thomas said about being Ms. Senior Pennsylvania.
The Ms. Pennsylvania Senior America 2003 pageant will take place May 23 in Philadelphia when Thomas will crown her successor.