MS. SENIOR ALABAMA 2020
CINDY DIXON
MS. SENIOR TUSCALOOSA COUNTY

Click on image to watch full interview.

Click on image to watch full interview.

Cindy Dixon is a teacher with a Ph.D. in Instructional Leadership with an Emphasis in Technology Integration from the University of Alabama; Master's Degree in Educational Leadership from the University of West Alabama; Master's Degree in Secondary Language Arts from the University of Alabama, Bachelor's Degree in Secondary English and History from Faulkner University; Special Training in multiple areas in regards to troubled youth especially those attending alternative education settings. 

She is employed with Lloyd Wood Education Center for the Tuscaloosa County School System Monday-Friday during the school year. She spent her 60th birthday on a mission trip to Mto wa Mbu (Mosquito River), Tanzania in Southeast Africa. She enjoys teaching the cradle roll class at church where she teaches Baby Sign Language to help the infants learn to communicate before they are able to talk.

Dr. Cindy's story:

"On the 27 hour flight from Tanzania, Africa in January 2020, I had time to reflect on my life. I was returning from my second mission trip to Africa and while there, I had my 60th birthday. The people were astonished that I had reached such a “great age” because their life expectancy is shorter. I thought about promises that I had made and not kept. One was to compete in a pageant.  

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I entered the Ms. Sr. Alabama pageant, and I am so glad that I did. I heard that the queens become sisters and we do call ourselves: Sister Queens. We all have a philosophy of supporting one another. We celebrate moments of joy and pray through moments of sorrow. When I won Ms. Sr. Alabama, each woman celebrated with me and gave their blessing as I competed in Ms. Sr. World.

My platform is to drill wells in Sub-Saharan Africa via the organization Bucket By Bucket. My fashion statement is zebra print, and my Sister Queens wore zebra print too.  That is part of the sisterhood of the state and world pageant system.

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I have earned a Ph.D. and two master’s degrees, and the truth is that anyone with the time and patience to endure the process can do it.  As a woman who celebrates living in the age of elegance, I have learned that the greater challenge is to push myself out of my comfort zone. I do believe that we should be forever learners and enjoy each moment. I hope that many women will enter the world of Sister Queens."

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Reasons to Enter 2021

Left to Right: Dr. Penny Njoroge 1st Runner Up, Dr. Cindy Dixon -Ms. Senior Alabama 2020,
Lorraine Bole-2nd Runner Up

Mary Ellen Hartness -
Ms. Super Senior Alabama
2020

Click arrow to hear Dr. Penny's inspirational philosophy.

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full article.

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the full interview.

Dr. Penny Ruth Njoroge is a psychologist and board certified chaplain. She was born in Kenya and was the first girl in her family to go to school at the age of 11. She obtained her PhD at the age of 62. Despite domestic violence, divorce, poverty, and raising a family, she was able to complete her education. Her difficult life circumstances led her to depression which she overcame and wants to help others rise above similar circumstances. She attributes her success to her strong mother figure that grew up in poverty but always taught her children to strive for better. 

On the 3rd Anniversary of her U.S. citizenship, on Sept. 12, 2020, she was a contestant in Ms. Senior Alabama. She won 1st Runner, Miss Congeniality, and People’s Choice, our theme happened to be "I'm Proud to Be an American."  

Her philosophy of life is: “I am breaking free from my past pains and regrets, to pursue my dreams. I refuse to die unfulfilled with my gifts and talents unused. I desire to impact others by encouraging, equipping, and empowering them to dream big - one person at a time. That’s my legacy and I believe it’s never too late.” 

This is Dr. Penny's statement about being in the pageant:

"Ms. Senior Alabama is not just about a pretty face but mostly about beautiful and inspiring stories that build, encourage, and empower others. Our God of limitless accomplishments helps us achieve things we never imagined would ever happen to us, considering our past painful experiences and journeys which life has brought us through. My deepest gratitude goes to my God for his blessings, to my priceless children/grandchildren, and to my siblings who have stood with me through thick and thin, believed in me, and encouraged me through this journey. Nominated by a dear friend I worked with more than three years ago, I resisted in every way that it's unethical for me to be in a Ms. Senior Alabama Pageant at my age, where physical/facial beauty was not a priority. The more I argued my case the more I was encouraged to participate because the organization is more interested in senior women sharing personal and inspiring stories that were not only timeless, but with a potential to encourage others to live their full potential regardless of age, public status, or nationality. They were looking for effective role models and mentors. Senior ladies who could motivate other seniors not to quit in life because of advancing age, empty nests, and all of the physical aging challenges. They want senior ladies who choose to age gracefully, confidently, and daringly. Ladies who purpose to leave a legacy and impact in their families and beyond. What stories are you constantly hiding or withholding that can motivate, inspire, encourage, and empower others not to quit in life? What untold stories are we dying with that can clarify biases and myths about our origins, cultures, traditions, and beliefs that could enhance interpersonal relationships for better families, communities or even nations at large? It's time we stopped waiting for others to do things to bring advancement at every level to make the world a better place. This is not just my personal victory, it is my entire family victory."

2020 Contestants & Philosophies

CONGRATULATIONS TO MS. SENIOR USA! 

 
The 2018 Ms. Senior USA Pageant winner is the first Senior Pageant winner ever to be featured on the cover of a major magazine. Pageantry Magazine is the industry standard and maintains a circulation of more than 10 million readers.

Congratulations to Sara Jo Burks Ms. Senior Alabama 2017 for this great honor!

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