Terrilynn Moore Smith Crowned Ms. Colorado Senior America 2025 at 31st Annual Pageant
Elegance, empowerment, and inspiration were center stage at the 31st Annual Ms. Colorado Senior America Pageant, where Terrilynn Moore Smith of Aurora was crowned Ms. Colorado Senior America 2025. The pageant, held at the Mizel Arts & Cultural Center in Denver, celebrated the talent, spirit, and contributions of women aged 60 and over.
Queen Terrilynn’s court includes First Runner-Up Ms. Charlie Meyers (Aurora) and Second Runner-Up Ms. Arya Farewell (Golden). Also competing with distinction were Denise Bruschi, Kelly Calabrese, Juanita Chacon, Tracey Drayton, Pat Feigin, Michele Hampton, Tessie Koency, and Diane Plassmeyer.
Outgoing Queen Andrea Kehmeier, who placed 4th at the 2024 Ms. Senior America National Competition, passed the crown in an emotional and uplifting ceremony.
This year’s pageant dazzled with a wide variety of talents, including singing, dancing, comedy, trombone, and harp. Queen Terrilynn captivated judges and the audience with her dramatic storytelling performance of “The People Could Fly.”
About Queen Terrilynn Moore Smith
Terrilynn Moore Smith, born in Denver to Police Officer James A. Moore and educator Dorothy J. Moore, is a trailblazer whose life blends public service with the arts. In 1976, was a founding member of the Denver Black Arts Theater Company, performing as a lead actress and dancer. She later served for ten years with the Denver Police Department, where she made history as the first African American woman on the Gang Unit. Terrilynn also appeared as a television spokesperson for PBS Channel 12 in Denver for over three years.
A gifted visual artist, she earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Painting and Drawing from the University of Colorado Denver. Her artwork includes book illustrations, cover designs, and commissioned pieces—often reflecting cultural heritage, identity, and empowerment through storytelling and symbolism.
In 2019, Terrilynn reconnected with her junior high crush, Quade Smith. With his unwavering support, she completed her debut novel, Starla, published in May 2023, and illustrated its cover and chapter art. Their beautiful love story aired nationally on PBS World Channel as Meant to Happen in February 2025.
Event Highlights
The pageant opened with a vibrant group dance and contestant introductions. Laura Morgan (Ms. Senior America 2021) and Robert Nardozza (DanceSport) served as co-emcees, guiding the event with charm and humor.
Contestants competed in four judged categories: Interview (held the day prior), Philosophy of Life, Talent, and Evening Gown. The first act closed with the Belle Donne Dancers performing to “Man! I Feel Like a Woman” in sparkling pink sequin jackets, while the second act featured a tambourine performance by the Ms. Colorado Senior America Ragtimers to “Maple Leaf Rag.”
A special thank you to our generous sponsors for this event: Platinum – American Furniture Warehouse, Silver – Lifetime Windows, and Bronze – The Paris Girls.
The event was proudly hosted by the Ms. Colorado Senior America Club, under the leadership of René Green, Colorado State Pageant Administrator. The production was brought to life by a dedicated team, including Carol Swanson (Production Manager, Ms. Colorado Senior America 2009), Judy Rowe (Technical Director), and Yvonne Guzman-Rodriguez (Judges Chair), with support from Camilla Landrum and Annette Germinario.
Esteemed judges for the 2025 competition included Dwayne Carrington, Terri Fisher, Esmeralda Hetrick (Ms. Senior America 2019), Joey Santos, and Sylvia Waller (Mrs. Colorado 2022). The national anthem was performed by Natalie Oliver-Atherton, reigning Ms. Senior America 2024/2025, setting a patriotic tone for a powerful and moving afternoon.
A Celebration of Women of the "Age of Elegance"
Now in its 31st year, the Ms. Colorado Senior America Pageant is more than a competition—it is a celebration of life, legacy, and the enduring strength of women. The 2025 theme, “You Go, Girls,” reflected the energy, humor, and grace of the contestants and their stories.
The pageant is a program of the Ms. Colorado Senior America Club, a charitable performance group that brings entertainment and joy to communities across the Denver Metro Area.
Note - 2nd Runner Up stepped down - new 2nd Runner up Ms. Michelle Hampton
We wish both ladies our best.