Edwina Chappel, left, and Betty Leeth Haynes, who traveled together to Atlantic City for this year’s Ms. Senior America pageant
For the past 19 years Betty Leeth Haynes has upheld and typified the standards set by the Ms. Senior America Pageant’s official committee. As the 1997 Ms. Senior Alabama candidate she vied with women from her peer group for the title of Ms. Senior America and came in fourth place (third runner-up), making her the first Alabamian to place in the event.
For the talent segment of the competition, she read a poem which she wrote, titled, “I am a Senior American.” The poem so impressed the judges, committee and other dignitaries who heard her reading, that it was adopted as the creed of the organization.
This year, she was again honored by the prestigious organization, as the 2016 Honorary Ms. Senior America. Once again, she recited her poem to an appreciative audience at the annual event, which took place Oct. 18-20 in Atlantic City. Video segments of the pageant were shared on Facebook for those unable to attend in person.
According to Haynes there were more contestants in this year’s competition than ever before.
“I think there were a total of 45 contestants this time,” she said. “There was talent like I’ve never seen.”
Cullman’s own Elaine Willingham earned high marks as second runner-up.
“I’m so excited for Elaine, she was truly a professional in every way, and she did a wonderful job,” said Haynes. “She is the second person who has ever placed in the history of the pageant to come from Alabama, and she is the highest placing Alabama contestant in the history of the pageant. I’m so very proud of Elaine and how well she represented the state of Alabama.”
Haynes says she felt Willingham would be included in the Top 10, and that she has tremendous talent.
“All of the wonderful, beautiful women in the competition had a talent of one sort or another, but Elaine was just outstanding in her ballet performance.”
Haynes was the first Alabamian to place in the pageant, with a fourth-place trophy, and for the past 19 years she has helped to promote and support the event and the organization.
“I think it is a wonderful way to encourage senior women to make the most of their lives, to use their talents and to be a positive influence and role model for others,” she said recently.
Haynes is certainly a positive and impressive role model. She is poised, graceful and gracious to everyone she meets, and is the definition of a true Southern lady, from the top of her perfectly coifed head to the bottom of her stylishly clad feet.
But more than looks define this lady’s life; her morals, Christian values, civic involvement and work ethic have always guided and directed her and made her a vital part of Cullman’s community.
At this month’s pageant in Atlantic City, she was surprised and humbled to have been awarded 2016 Honorary Ms. Senior America.
“It was totally unexpected,” she said. “I was shocked and pleased.”
The Cullman entourage, there in support of Willingham, and Haynes’s longtime friend and winner of the 2008 Ms. Senior Alabama pageant, Edwina Chappel, jumped up and roared their approval of the award, clapping and cheering and urging Haynes to speak.
She did give an impromptu acceptance speech, but doesn’t remember a word of what she said on stage, due to the astonishment of being honored in front of so many friends and strangers, even people at home watching the videos online.
“I do remember them putting the Ms. Honorary Senior America sash on me, and I was able to recite the poem,” she laughed.
The week’s activities included a Cameo Ball for the former winners and contestants, and a Queen’s Breakfast, at which Haynes was asked to lead the blessing.
Cullman is doubly blessed to have two such vivacious, intelligent and energetic women represent its senior population and showcase the possibilities for seniors to those who look up to them.
To see videos of the event, visit https://www.facebook.com/SeniorAmericaInc.
Betty Leeth Haynes Poem – "I am a Senior American" by cullmansense on Scribd
Copyright 2016 Humble Roots, LLC. All Rights Reserved.
