The Ms. North Carolina Senior America Pageant was held Tuesday, June 8, at Owens Auditorium on the campus of Sandhills Community College.

Eight senior ladies from around the state competed in the pageant, which was won by Sarah Daffron, from Greensboro. She will represent North Carolina in Atlantic City, N.J., during the week of Oct. 3-7 at Harrah's Resort. She and other state queens will compete for the title of Ms. Senior America 2010-11.

Lewellyn Gibson, of Hamlet, was chosen as first runner-up and Ms. Congeniality; Loretta Linebarrier, of Asheboro, was second runner-up, and Judith Cox, of Winston-Salem, was third runner-up.

Other candidates for this year's title were Carole Wunderlin, Pinehurst; Janice Hopkins and Betty Kelley, Fayetteville; and Joyce Santos, Rockingham,

The ladies competed in four levels - interview with the judges, 30 second philosophy of life, evening gown and talent.

Bill Brown (Billy Bag-o-Donuts), the morning show host on WIOZ's "Sunrise in the Sandhills," was the co-host along with state co-directors, Judy Kelley, Ms. North Carolina Senior America 2000, and Beverly A. Wetherbie, Ms. Virginia Senior America 2005.

Connie Karl, state director, Ms. South Carolina Senior America 2007 and Dr. Betty Garren, Ms. South Carolina Senior America 2008, also attended to crown their delegate Ms. South Carolina 2010, Ida Brinkley. Other entertainment included a performance by the Sophisticated Ladies dance group from Pinehurst.

Proceeds from the door admissions will be used to sponsor Sarah Daffron at the national pageant in October.

The North Carolina Senior America Pageant is a nonprofit organization that seeks to enhance the image of women who have reached the "age of elegance," 60 years or better.

For further information on becoming a candidate or sponsor for the Senior America 2011 Pageant call Bev Wetherbie at (910) 944-8171 or Judy Kelley at (910) 328-3671, or visit Senior America's website at www.senioramerica.org.