Who will wear the crown in 2015?

Who will wear the crown in 2015?

PRIME – April 2015
HOLYOKE, Mass. – The Ms. Massachusetts Senior America pageant will choose the state’s reigning queen on April 12 beginning at 1 p.m. at Holyoke High School, 500 Beech St.

This year, a total of six women – one a 2012 runner up from Eastern Massachusetts and the rest from Western Massachusetts – will compete in the categories of talent, philosophy of life, evening gown and personal interview in the hopes of winning the coveted opportunity to represent the state at the National Ms Senior America competition slated for later this year.
Much more than a beauty pageant, according to its official website senioramerica.org, the Ms. Senior America represents “what America is about . . . a re-affirmation of life and self worth, of laughter and tears, of inner beauty and outward charm.”

Meet the contestants in this year’s pageant

Ruth Harcovitz was born in Framingham, and now lives in Needham, Massachusetts. A professional opera singer and entertainer, she earned a bachelor of music in vocal performance from the New England Conservatory, and is a graduate of both
the Vienna Academy of Music and Austria Academy of Music. Harcovitz has performed with the Santa Fe Opera, the Opera Company of Boston, Opera of New England, Artists International as well as in numerous musicals, dinner theater productions and musical reviews, including a solo show she developed and performs for community organizations. She has taught voice at Northeastern University, to the Zamir Chorale of Boston and the Boston Children’s Theater, and in her own studio. Among her most memorable singing achievements are performing with opera super star Beverly Sills and recording with the Boston Symphony during a Carnegie Hall performance. Harcovitz has been both president and vice president of the New England Conservatory Alumni Association, served on the school’s Board of Trustees and has mentored students from her alma matter for 18 years. She is an avid reader of history and biographies, a gourmet cook and has planned and enjoyed 15 budget trips to Europe in the past 20 years. She is a favorite aunt to 14 nieces and nephews.

JoAnn McNaughton was born in Holyoke, but now makes her home in Springfield, Massachusetts. She is the receptionist at East Village Place in East Longmeadow – a Watermark Retirement Assisted Living Community – where she also volunteers on a monthly basis to organize a Casino Night for residents. In 2011 McNaughton was presented with a THRIVE award from Waterman Retirement Communities; she also participates in the Watermark University – a continuing education program offered to residents and employees at East Village Place. In her leisure time, McNaughton enjoys shopping, traveling – especially to Cape Cod – and spending time with her friends and family, including husband Howie, daughter Kelly and her six grandchildren. Her talent presentation will focus on suicide prevention in memory of her daughter, Karen.

Vera O’Connor was born In Kingston on the beautiful island of Jamaica, but now makes her home in Springfield, Massachusetts. She recently retired after a 29-year career with the MassMutual Financial Group, and now divides her time and talents between work with the Springfield Ward 5 Democratic Committee, Springfield City Democratic Committee, serving as treasurer, Springfield Carnival Association – where she is currently soliciting sponsors for the parade and is chair of the Scholarship Fund – Springfield Library Commission, where she is chair, and Sixteen Acres Elder Affairs Council. She has also served as secretary of the Caribbean American Cultural Center and as Division Governor of Toastmasters International. Among her other achievements are receiving the 2005 Democratic Distinction Award and serving as the original organizer of the Springfield Carnival Parade and Showcase of Caribbean Culture at the Big E. In her leisure time O’Connor enjoys writing, reading, dancing, traveling and public speaking. She will be performing a Caribbean dance as her talent presentation. O’Connor has three children, nine grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

Holly Joy Pearson was born in Ludlow, but now makes her home in Agawam, Massachusetts with her significant other, Dave. Her career has seen her use her musical talent as a music educator, choral director, soprano soloist, performer in musical theater and private voice teacher. Her volunteer work has brought her to Shriner’s Hospital for Children and to Sumner Avenue School, where she mentors students. Pearson is a member of the National Association for Music Education, National Association of Teachers of Singing, Massachusetts Music Education Association and Tuesday Morning Music Club. She is also active with the Daughters of the Nile, Ladies Oriental Shrine and Order of the Eastern Star. Among her most memorable moments are conducting a women’s chorus in Nebraska – something she is looking forward to doing again this year in New Mexico – and performing as a featured soloist in Europe. In her leisure time Pearson enjoys reading, walking, traveling and she is learning to knit. She has two grown children. Pearson will be performing a musical selection as her talent.

Carol Swenor was born in Springfield and now lives in Feeding Hills, Massachusetts. A former secretary for the Space & Sea Division of Hamilton Standard, she counts the opportunity to meet astronauts as a plus of her career. She has been a volunteer with Mercy Rehab for 21 years, facilitating a support group for women who had experienced strokes, and also serves as a hospice companion and general hospital volunteer. In 2001, she received the Weldon Ambassador Award – given for courage, determination and spirit – from Mercy Hospital. A member of the Agawam Garden Club, she counts gardening, traveling and attending live theater productions among her favorite leisure time pursuits. One leisure passion, watercolors, will be the focus of her talent presentation. Swenor’s son Todd and two grandsons reside in Arizona.

Honor Takorian was born in Springfield, and now resides in Wilbraham, Massachusetts. During her career she both worked as an x-ray technician and owned her own business, operating a dry cleaners. While her family was growing up, Takorian served on the Board of Directors of the former Ursuline Academy, and in 1999 she was elected to the Park and Recreation Commission in Hampden, Massachusetts, serving on that board until 2002. She has been a volunteer at her children’s school library and has also taught Sunday school. In her leisure time she enjoys swimming, dancing and sharing in the musical pursuits of her grandchildren, who all sing, dance and play an instrument. Takorian’s talent presentation will be a tap dance routine. A widow, she has two children and five grandchildren.