From The Tribune staff reports
ALABAMA – Ms. Senior Alabama Inc. had a record number of 20 participants this year with 13 women ages 60-69 competing in Ms. Senior Alabama and seven women ages 70 and above competing in Ms. Super Senior Alabama. The theme of this year’s pageant was “Dare to Dream…Don’t dream your life, live your dreams!”
Ms. Senior Helena, Kathy Paiml, was crowned Ms. Senior Alabama 2023, Birmingham, and Ms. Super Senior Magic City, Pauline Vaughn Murphy, was crowned Ms. Super Senior Alabama 2023, Birmingham, on June 10, 2023.
“Kathy Paiml is a graduate of University of Montevallo and University of Alabama at Birmingham and has served in the education field for over 25 years as: teacher, principal, and adjunct professor,” a release from Ms. Senior Alabama Inc. stated. “After retiring from the Shelby County School system, she began teaching part time at Unless U – a school for adults with developmental disabilities.”
Paiml, a breast cancer survivor who speaks at and supports events for breast cancer awareness, is also a volunteer coach with The Miracle League, Member of Down Syndrome of Alabama, and volunteers with a homeless ministry through Prince of Peace Catholic Church.
“As a three-year member of the sisterhood of Ms. Senior Alabama, Inc., Kathy has been a leader in working with other delegates, titleholders, and board members in revitalizing the focus of Ms. Senior Alabama, Inc. on community outreach and volunteerism,” Kim Crawford Meeks of Ms. Senior Alabama Inc. stated.
According to Paiml, age is nothing more than a state of mind. This is a message she wants other senior women to take to heart.
“Your heart has no wrinkles, and your soul has no age,” she said. “Don’t be afraid to continue to learn and try new things. Find something you are passionate about and do it! As senior women, we have a lot to offer. With age comes wisdom. We have a lifetime of experiences, let’s share it with others!”
Paiml also said her life philosophy can be summed up by the acronym S.M.I.L.E. – See Miracles In Life Everyday.
“All things in nature, the people in your life, and the blessings you’ve been given are a gift and a miracle,” she said. “Serve others, show gratitude, and look for the good in everyone. You never know how much your kindness, or your smile can turn someone’s day around.”
Ms. Super Senior Alabama Pauline Vaughn Murphy spent 21 years employed with the Department of Psychiatry and Behavior Neurobiology/Community Corrections and served as a Case Manager with the Community Corrections/Reentry Program. Murphy has a BA Degree from Berea College, Ky., and is a Licensed Social worker with the Alabama Board of Social Work Examiners.
“My message to senior women is to: Get enough sleep, do what makes you happy, don’t be afraid to make mistakes, build healthy relationships, and to get up and move,” Murphy said. “Life is like a camera. Focus on what’s important. Capture the good times and have fun. Develop from the negatives. Take another shot if things don’t work out. Never let anyone tell you what you aren’t able to achieve. Remember it isn’t how fast you enter the race, but how you finish the race.”
A portion of proceeds from People’s Choice voting went to Kid’s Play Alabama, providing support for children to participate in sports. These proceeds were given to Executive Director Susan Downs, Ms. Senior Alabama 2022.
The Honorary Ms. Senior Alabama title, sash and crown were given to Rosa Parks, through Executive Director Donna Beisel of the Rosa Parks Museum at Troy University in Montgomery.
An Honorary Lifetime Ms. Senior Alabama award was presented to Ms. Senior Alabama 2009, Sally Beth Vick.
MISSION STATEMENT
Ms. Senior Alabama, Inc. is a 501 (c) (3) organization dedicated to enrich the lives of senior women, while offering opportunities for them to share their experiences, wisdom, and interests with others. The women form friendships and network all over the state of Alabama. Our goal is to inspire women to pursue interests and dreams through our message that it is never too late, and you always have a purpose. Ms. Senior Alabama, Inc. has been in existence since 1987. The organization is made up of a Board of Directors who volunteer their time to ensure that Ms. Senior Alabama, Inc. has the necessary resources to carry out its purpose of funding the Ms. Senior Alabama State Pageant, as well as securing the most outstanding senior woman to represent the state. Ms. Senior Alabama, Inc. functions exclusively for charitable, educational, and entertainment purposes to keep older adults informed on matters of interest to them and their welfare. The Ms. Senior Alabama, Inc. The Board of Directors will direct the guidelines for this program. All policy is subject to the will of the Board of Directors and is reviewed and updated in a timely manner. For more information on entering as a delegate, volunteer, or sponsor, visit mssenioralabama.com, or send an email to: mssenioralabamainc@gmail.com, 205-381-6767.