Here Comes Ms. Senior America

<span style='font-weight: bold'>Esther Hayes, Ms. New York Senior America 1994</span><br />A former teacher, Ms. Hayes, currently 82 years old, won the New York state competition when she was 63. She continues to sing, dance and participate in public-speaking contests.
Sheri Manson / Redux

Phyllis Bogart, Ms. New York Senior America Runner-Up 2009
Born and raised in the Rockaways in New York, Ms. Bogart says, "My philosophy for the competition was based on a quote from Helen Keller: 'Life is either a daring adventure or nothing.' I saw the pageant as a challenge, a way to grow as well as to show the world, young and old, how wonderful and strong we can remain ... Presently, I work as a residential nurse for the developmentally disabled and so enjoy helping them to be all that they can. Their challenges far exceed any that I may have. I feel that I learn from them as I help them to live to the fullest."

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