2018 Ms. Senior Cullman County Donna Harris (W.C. Mann for The Tribune)
HANCEVILLE – Topping off a fun, entertaining event on Saturday afternoon, Donna Harris was crowned Ms. Senior Cullman County 2018. The annual pageant took place at the Betty Leeth Haynes Theatre on the campus of Wallace State Community College in Hanceville. The competition also featured contestants Jennifer Parker, Janis Simmons, Jolene Hammick, Joyce Weil, Helen Cary and Sandra Griggs.
Harris is a medical sonography instructor at Wallace State, performs volunteer ultrasound services for Sav-A-Life, is active in health and fitness activities, and is a member of Daystar Church. She played Pachelbel’s “Canon in D” on piano for the talent portion of the competition.
When the contestants were asked to share their philosophies of life, Harris told the audience:
“I believe that healthy living can make a huge impact on our quality of life, regardless of life’s circumstances. I’ve been in the medical profession for 28 years, and I’ve seen countless people suffer with their health. I’ve held the hand of the dying, and I’ve celebrated new life.
“As a senior, what this has taught me is every day is a gift from God to be treasured and cherished, and to live every day to our fullest. I pray that God will grant me wisdom and His love to continue to grow into the person He created me to be.”
After she claimed the title, Harris was all smiles and almost nonstop giggles for several minutes. Catching her breath, she told The Tribune, “I am shocked! I am thrilled! I just can’t believe it. I’m so happy! Very honored, very honored.”
Harris will represent Cullman County in the 2018 Ms. Senior Alabama State Pageant on July 28 in Irondale.
Other honors
Ms. Photogenic – Sandra Griggs
Ms. Congeniality – Jennifer Parker
2nd Alternate – Jennifer Parker
1st Alternate – Jolene Hammick
Entertainment and escorts for the ladies were provided by the “Men in Black”: Cullman County Commission on Aging Director Dusty Baker, Cullman County Sheriff’s Capt. Ricky Blackwood, Alabama gubernatorial candidate James Fields, Cullman County Sheriff Matt Gentry, Cullman County Commissioner Garry Marchman, Hanceville Mayor Kenneth Nail, and Cullman County Revenue Commissioner Barry Willingham. Also performing were the “Weather Girls”–Abi Long, Josey Brown, and 2017 Ms. Senior Cullman County Marlys Ross; and the “Sugar Babies” senior dance team. Ms. Senior Universe Donna McGuffie and Miss Alabama Jessica Proctor were Mistresses of Ceremonies, and both sang.
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