Ms. Senior America Pageant

The Ms. Senior America Pageant is a beauty pageant held in the United States. It is open to women aged 60 and older and is modeled after the Miss America Pageant, with the purpose of presenting "a positive image of aging". The 2009 event was won by Gail King of Dix Hills, Long Island, New York. King, who is also the reigning Ms New York Senior America, is a breast cancer survivor, whose philosophy of life is, “You must never give up – no matter what! This philosophy served me well when I was diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 25. After twelve surgeries, doctors had given me less than a 30% chance of survival. But by keeping a positive attitude and maintaining a balance – spiritually, physically, and emotionally – I fought this insidious disease. And because I refused to give up, I am here today celebrating the ‘Age of Elegance.’”

King plans to spend the next year traveling the country making personal appearances on behalf of Ms Senior America, breast cancer awareness, literacy, and animal rights, and, until her reign is up in Spring 2010, Ms New York Senior America.

As a child, King, who grew up in West Islip, NY, danced with the Antonini Ballet Company and performed at Carnegie Hall. She graduated Magna Cum Laude from Dowling College, received her master’s degree from Stony Brook University, and taught at Sachem High School North in Lake Ronkonkoma, NY, for 35 ½ years. Her second career as an actress and model has included appearances as an extra on Law and Order, Royal Pains, and 30 Rock, among others. .