Newly crowned Ms. New Jersey Senior America Betty Jean Pace, center, surrounded by her court, from left, ourth runner-up Suzanne Clare Larosa, second runner-up Madeline McCleese Pace, first runner-up Dale Browndorf and third runner-up Debra Paradisio.

ATLANTIC CITY – The Ms. New Jersey Senior America pageant was held Thursday at Harrah’s Resort and Casino. Betty Jean Pace of Toms River was crowned Ms. New Jersey Senior America and will represent the Garden State in September in the national competition in Hershey, Pennsylvania.

Dale Browndorf of Margate is first runner-up in Ms. NJ Senior America pageant.

Margate’s Dale Browndorf is the first runner-up in the Ms. New Jersey Senior America and took the title of Miss Congeniality as well. Browndorf, a veteran of regional theater, performed “It Is Not Where You Start,” from the Broadway musical “Seesaw” for the talent portion.

Contestants in the Ms. New Jersey Senior America pageant must be at least 60 years old to enter the pageant and compete in talent, evening gown, philosophy of life, and have an interview prior to the competition with a panel of judges. The competition started in 1972 to showcase the talent of women who have reached the age of elegance and show they are ready for the runway and not the rocking chair.

To learn more about the Ms.New Jersey Senior America pageant see www.newjerseysenioramerica.org

Categories: Downbeach

Nanette LoBiondo Galloway

Award winning journalist covering news, events and people of Atlantic County for more than 20 years.