Missouri Health Care Association District 7 put on its annual Ms. Missouri Nursing Home Pageant on Thursday at the Etta & Joseph Miller Performing Arts Center in Jefferson City.
Ten contests, all from Mid-Missouri nursing homes, competed against one another for the crown and the chance to participate in the statewide pageant at the end of August in Branson.
Michelle Walters, the director of meetings and events for the association, said the event has been put on for more than 30 years.
"A member in St. Louis saw it as an activity for the ladies to get out of the facilities, and they ended up really enjoying it," Walters said.
Alice Wehrle, of Oak Tree Villas in Jefferson City, was crowned as the 2019 District Queen, impressing the judges with her witty remarks.
"My husband was always giving me trouble back in high school," Wehrle said.
When asked why by the moderator, she said "Well if you look at pictures of me from high school, then you'd understand."
Each competitor wrote a short biography and then spoke on stage with the moderator about her life and words of advice.
Alice Kimberley represented the Jefferson City Manor in the competition. She was a certified nursing assistant in Jefferson City and gave authentic advice of what the career entailed.
"If you're just looking for a job, go out the door," Kimberley said.
Each competitor was asked what advice they wanted to give younger generations. Answers centered around being kind to people, working hard and being happy.
"Live for the day," Queen Wehrle said.