Ms. Colorado Senior America Pageant, LLC
Our Reigning Queen 2026 - Colleen Costigan
Ms. Colorado Senior America 2025 Terrilynn Moore Smith crowning Ms. Colorado Senior America 2026 - Colleen Costigan
Colleen during her evening gown walk
Elegance, empowerment, and inspiration were center stage at the 33rd Annual Ms. Colorado Senior America Pageant, where Colleen Costigan of Littleton was crowned Ms. Colorado Senior America 2026. The pageant, held at the Mizel Arts & Cultural Center in Denver, celebrated the talent, spirit, and contributions of women aged 60 and over.
Queen Colleen’s court includes First Runner-Up Ms. Richelle Burnett (Niwot) and Second Runner-Up Ms. Kathi Baerns (Aurora). Also competing with distinction were Sandy Corrigan, Tracey Drayton, Arya Farwell, Michele Patrice Hampton, Lee Nicholson, Lori Schardt, and Charlee Ann VanderLinden.
Outgoing Queen Terrilynn Moore Smith passed the crown in an emotional and uplifting ceremony.
This year’s pageant dazzled with a wide variety of talents, including singing, dancing, comedy, harp, and air drums. Queen Colleen captivated judges and the audience with her upbeat singing to a Pat Benatar song, “Hit me with Your Best Shot.”
About Colleen Costigan
For 35 years she worked as an organizational consultant with Fortune 100 companies, helping executives lead through change while raising two children adopted from China as a single mother. In Colleen’s 60’s, after a profound period of personal transformation, her life took an exciting turn. She discovered her love for singing. Today she is the lead singer of a rock band. During this same time, she trained in hypnotherapy and now she helps women break free from limiting beliefs so they can live with confidence and purpose. Colleen believes our later years can be our most vibrant chapter- the “You Years.”
Event Highlights
The pageant opened with a vibrant group dance and contestant introductions. Debra LaRoche Walls (Ms. Senior America 2022/23) and Joey Santos (Santos Designs) 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 “Can’t Stop the Feeling” in sparkling sequin jackets, while the second act featured a tambourine performance by the Ms. Colorado Senior America Ragtimers to “Maple Leaf Rag.”
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), and Terri Mongait (Program Book), and with support from Annette Germinario and the Colorado Club.
Esteemed judges for the 2026 competition included Debra Gallegos, Kelle Hand, Johnny Nichols, Jr, Borris Powell, and Virginia Quinones. The national anthem was performed by Natalie Oliver-Atherton, 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 33rd 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 2026 theme, “Can’t Stop the Feeling,” 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.
To learn more about the organization, the Cameo Club, and Queen Colleen’s journey, visit FaceBook Ms. Colorado Senior America Pageant or www.colosramerica.com.
What’s Next for Queen Colleen
Queen Colleen made her first public appearance at the Cancer League of Colorado’s Hope Ball and will participate in the Commerce City Memorial Day Parade. In October, she will proudly represent Colorado at the Ms. Senior America 2026 National Pageant, held at the Tropicana Resort in Atlantic City, New Jersey.
These remarkable women are living proof that age is not a limitation—but a launchpad. Their vitality, talent, and community spirit inspire all generations and remind us that the best may still be yet to come.
Women interested in becoming contestants for the 2027 Ms. Colorado Senior America Pageant (not too early)are encouraged to contact René Green at 720-384-6249 or renemcsap@gmail.com. Learn more on Facebook at Ms. Colorado Senior America Pageant or online at ColoSrAmerica.com.
Talent
Colleen receiving her sash and flowers
Queen Colleen with Rene' Green- Colo State Pageant Admin/ Ms. Senior America (Honorary)
The Contestants and crowning
The Queen's walk
