"When I commit to a goal, I want to see it through to the end," said Sally Winchell, who was crowned Ms. Pennsylvania Senior America 2023 in Harrisburg on June 4. "With this pageant, I was all in."

Sally first heard of the pageant last February when a friend, who served as Ms. Pennsylvania Senior America in 2021, invited her to a meet-and-greet. Sally met the current and past Pennsylvania queens, along with one who was a national winner. "It was fact-finding," reported Sally, who noted any lady who has reached the age of elegance - age 60 and up - is eligible to take part.

An application, including biographical information, was necessary to compete. Sally explained that the purpose is to give older women a "chance to display their inner beauty, talent, and elegance." She added that the pageant honors the achievements of senior women and motivates and encourages them to utilize their full potential and share their positive outlook on life with others. "It's not just a beauty pageant," she pointed out. "It's more about your achievements, goals, and what you stand for. It gave me an opportunity to reflect."

Looking back, Sally noted that many of her achievements helped her build toward taking part in the pageant. Raised in Bowmansville, she moved to Terre Hill as an adult and was active in New Holland, teaching at a local dance studio and later owning Class Act Dance Studio. She became a personal trainer and started her own nutrition counseling business, and she competed as a female body builder. In 2012, Sally moved to the Millersville area with her husband, George, and she is employed at Bright Side Opportunities Center specializing in senior health and fitness.

Sally said that the pageant included a brief interview with the judges; a talent competition, for which she performed a professionally choreographed jazz dance; and an evening gown competition, during which each contestant presented her philosophy of life. Writing her philosophy intrigued Sally. "When I was preparing I spent a lot of time thinking about why I was put on this Earth. What do I do? What do I represent?" she said. In the allotted 35 seconds, Sally discussed her daily chances to motivate and inspire others through strength training and healthy eating. "(Those are) the keystone to healthy senior years," she said. "We need not accept what we think old age should look and feel like. We need to be strong, energetic, and engaged in life." Sally noted she is proud of what she wrote. "It's what I live," she said. "I live to bring a better life to others."

When Sally was named Ms. Pennsylvania Senior America 2023, she received a crown and a sash to wear during public appearances. She will represent the state in the national competition in Atlantic City, N.J., from Sunday, Oct. 15, through Thursday, Oct. 19. Sally is available to speak to women's groups or to help with events. She can be reached at sallyawinchell@gmail.com.