Ms. Senior Pike County 2012, Jane Thrash, will compete for the title of Ms. Senior Alabama at the annual pageant held at Wallace Community College in Hanceville June 7-9.

“We are extremely proud to have Jane Thrash represent Pike County throughout the year at local and area events and at the Ms. Senior Alabama Pageant,” said Maxine Hollis, a member of the Ms. Senior Pike County committee. “We wish her all the best at the state pageant. She represented Pike County very well at the Ms. Senior Alabama Workshop on May 11 in Hoover.

“Jane was very inspirational and demonstrated her talent and poise very well. We are thankful to have her as the first Ms. Senior Pike County.”

Eight contestants will vie for the title in the pageant that has been themed, “On Broadway.”

Thrash said that she is excited to represent Pike County at the pageant.

“It’s time for us to show that there is more to a pageant than glamour,” Thrash said. “We are losing many of our cultural skills and we need to teach young women how important these skills are.

“And, we also need to let people know that senior adults have something to give back to their communities. We can be mentors. We can be volunteers and promote positive images for our younger generation. That’s what this pageant is all about.”

The categories for judging will be interview, philosophy, evening gown, poise and talent.

The Ms. Senior Alabama pageant will be a whirlwind event for the contestants.

After checking into their hotel on Thursday afternoon, the contestants will participate in an intensive rehearsal before enjoying a tribute dinner.

“The five-minute interviews will be on Friday morning with three judges and will be 30 percent of the total score,” Thrash said. “We will have lunch with the judges and then be back at the college to rehearse our opening number, which is a simple dance routine. Two former Ms. Senior Alabama winners will participate with us in the opening number.”

On Saturday morning, there will be a full dress rehearsal, followed by lunch with the judges. The pageant will begin at 2 p.m. at the community college.

The talent competition will follow the opening number and Thrash will entertain the audience as Lucille from Mark Childress’ popular novel, “Crazy in Alabama.”

“The talent competition is 30 percent of the total score,” Thrash said. “The final 40 percent of the score is for philosophy of life and on stage evening gown presentation, which count 20 percent, each.”

Following the pageant, there will be a reception for the contestants.

“I’m excited about the opportunity to compete and look forward to it,” Thrash said. “This is a chance for me to represent my home county and I’m honored to do that.”