More than 300 people were in Owens Auditorium in Pinehurst on June 8 to watch Sarah Daffrom, a 60-year-old from Greensboro win the title and crown of “Ms. North Carolina Senior America 2010.”

“I was shocked. I didn’t think past the fact of participating in the competition,” Daffrom said. “I didn’t think about winning, I was really surprised when they called my name, this is the best feeling in the world.”

Other candidates for this year’s pageant were: Carole Wunderlin, 65, of Pinehurst; Janice Hopkins, 63, and Betty Kelley, 67, of Fayetteville; Joyce Santos, 69, of Rockingham; Lewellyn Gibson 71, of Hamlet,; Judith Cox 68, of Winston-Salem and Loretta Linebarrier, 72 of Asheboro.

Beverly A. Wetherbie, 72, Ms Virginia Senior America 2005, the state co-director of the pageant, said it was wonderful. “We took a chance and went to a bigger venue.”

The ladies competed in four levels – interview with the judges, 30-second philosophy of life, evening gown and talent. Clogging was Daffrom’s talent.

“It was fantastic. I loved it,” said MS NC SA 2009 Rebecca Ross, 71, of Rockingham. “The stage was nice and it was practically a full audience.”

Santos won first runner up and Ms Congeniality, Linebarrier second runner up, Cox was third runner up.

After the crowing of the new queen, Ross gave her farewell speech.

“ I have a lot of things I want to do and have gained knowledge and a feeling of other people. I want to be more active than I have been before.”

Ross received a proclamation on her accomplishments from the North Carolina House of Representatives.

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 The State Director and Ms South Carolina Senior America 2007 Connie Karl and Ms South Carolina Senior America 2008. Dr. Betty Garren 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.

“It improved so much over the last year. I think more people know more about it now,” Ross said.

Sarah and other state queens will compete for the National title of Ms. Senior America 2010-11 in Atlantic City, NJ, during the week of October 3 - 7 at Harrah’s Resort. Proceeds from the door admissions will be used to sponsor Daffron. This is the 14th year that North Carolina will be represented at the national level.

“I got involved by a woman who had been in it before who approached my clogging group,” said Daffrom. “I went to last year’s pageant. It was so cool and now here I am.”

The North Carolina Senior America Pageant is a non-profit organization which seeks to enhance the image of women who have reached the “Age of Elegance,” 60 years or better. The Pageant honors the gracious woman who best exemplifies dignity, maturity and inner beauty.

“It was two full days of hard work,” Wetherbie said. “We will probably have the pageant in the same venue next year.”

Daffrom said her plans since winning are now the national competition.

“I will polish my skills. I’m just looking forward to whatever this title brings. It will be a fun year.”

For information on becoming a candidate or sponsor for the Senior America 2011 Pageant call Beverly Wetherbie 910-944-8171 or Judy Kelley, 910-328-3671 or visit Senior America’s Web site www.senioramerica.org.

Hollie Nivens can be reached at (910) 997-3111 ext. 19 or by e-mailing at hnivens@yourdailyjournal.com.