Manchester resident runner up in Ms. Missouri Senior American

After a Sunday afternoon of tap dancing, singing, tambourine performances and speeches, there remained only one piece of business for the Ms. Missouri Senior America—to name the winner. Master of Ceremonies Don Wolff announced in the end that Peggy Eggers of Florissant was crowned the 2011 queen.

Eggers competed against nine ladies from across the Greater St. Louis area in interviews, evening gown, philosophies of life and talent.

Upon the announcement, Eggers stood on stage with a stunned look and tearfully accepted her crown. 

“I was so surprised,” she said immediately following her win. “Everyone was so talented, and I just had a good time.” 

Contestant and Manchester resident Merrily Woodford placed second in the competition. Woodford said she had a fantastic experience competing in the pegeant and did not mind not winning the contest, saying second place was "close enough."

"It's been an experience of a lifetime," Woodford said. "I've gotten more new friends."

Eggers sang an operatic version of “Stars and Stripes Forever.” Carol Moldafsky of Town and Country gave a sensual performance with singing of "When You're Good to Mama" from the Broadway hit, Chicago. 

The last performance kept the audience buzzing as Florissant resident Wendy Gordon performed a jazzy number called, “A Little Sugar in My Bowl.”

Before the announcement of the 2011 queen, 2010 Ms. Missouri Senior America Jacquie Crawford, who lives in St. Peters, expressed her gratitude for the experience and for the support of the past year. 

“Being queen has been the most unforgettable journey in my life,” she said. “I hope I’ve represented the pageant well.”

Ms. Senior America Kim Moore, who’s a St. Louis native, spoke a few minutes as well before the crowning and gave a surprise performance of Tina Turner’s “Proud Mary.”

Before the crowning of the queen, the runners-up and Ms. Congeniality were presented, which included:

Ms. Congeniality – Char Gestring, Bonne Terre

2nd Runner Up – Merrily Woodford, Manchester

1st Runner Up – Wendy Gordon, Florissant

All contestants of the pageant will be part of the queen’s court.

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