ORANGE PARK— It was a fabulous evening for some of the county’s senior beauty queens on Thursday, June 12.

In their evening gowns and best attire, eleven women strutted down the walkway– accompanied by a Clay County Fire Rescue escort– on their way to winning the coveted title of Ms. Senior Clay County. 

Two Orange Park residents took home the winning title in their division. The Ms. Long-Term Care crown was awarded to Joani Peteroy of Moosehaven Senior Nursing Facility and Ms. Assisted Living was awarded to Lois Swan of Palagio Senior Living. 

Second and third place contestants were also awarded with a bouquet.

The competition, held at the Hilltop Restaurant, was hosted by the Clay County Senior Adult Advocacy Council. The group had been putting on the annual pageant for 18 years as a way to celebrate the women they work with and their accomplishments.

Council President Heidi Forsythe said the event began as a small gathering at St. Giles Presbyterian Church, but has since grown. The women are chosen from a range of senior and assisted living facilities across the county.

The energy was high as family, friends and caregivers cheered each woman on as they were led to the front, the sounds of their favorite tune blaring in the background. 

Once seated, each contestant was asked to draw a random question from a bowl and give their best answer in front of a table of judges, including a professional pageant coach.

From questions surrounding who in their life has inspired them the most to why they thought they should take home the coveted title and crown, the ladies were extra confident with their responses. 

For the audience to get to know them a little better, each woman’s bio was also read. 

Peteroy, originally from Maryland, worked as a certified nursing assistant, beautician and shuttle driver in Orlando, cruising to and from its slew of theme parks and hotels. 

She said that living at Moosehaven has allowed her to get active and live a life full of love.

Swan, born in Seneca Falls, New York said she has been a Florida resident for 56 years and at Palagio for just seven months. Some of her favorite hobbies are reading, genealogy and hiking.

One woman also received the Lifetime Achievement Award.

“This is for that woman that as we read the bio and we hear about her life, we’re like ‘Wow, that is impact. That is something that all of us should strive to accomplish in our lives,’” Forsythe told the audience.

This year, the title went to Moosehaven Assisted Living resident Karol Smith. 

Smith, who grew up on a farm in Ohio, served as Grand Regent of the Moose Fraternity. 

Tears from audience members, and Smith herself, were evident as her inspiring story was read. One poignant part highlighted her finding true love again years after losing her husband of 41 years. On her 80th birthday, Smith married her second true love. 

As he had health challenges, their marriage lasted 92 days before he passed away. Still, she continues to live a life of gratitude and service. 

Following their win, the women finished the evening by heading to the dance floor.