Special to IFN

Mooresville resident Ann Nivens was recently crowned Ms. North Carolina Senior America 2025.

Nivens is a retired principal. During her career, she worked at several schools in Charlotte and Iredell County. She is volunteer guardian ad litem and the president of the Mooresville/Lake Norman Rotary.

More than 200 people attended the event in Owens Auditorium at Sandhills Community College in Pinehurst on May 10. Nivens’ talent performance included singing, dancing and playing the drums.

She will compete for the title of Ms. Senior America 2025-2026 on October 5-9 in Atlantic City, N.J. 

Sandy Smothers (Kernersville), was chosen as first runner up; Julie Ann Lowery (Chapel Hill) was second runner up; and Karen Reese May (Southern Pines) was third runner-up. Karen Reese May was also the recipient of the People’s Choice award and Most Sponsorships award. Sandra “Kayce” Ogburn (Mooresville) was awarded Ms. Congeniality 2025.

Hostesses were directors Beverly A. Wetherbie, Ms. Virginia Senior America 2005; Polly King, Ms. North Carolina Senior America 2015; and Laura Morgan, Ms. North Carolina Senior America 2020 and Ms. Senior America 2021-2022. Entertainment was provided by “The Sophisticated Ladies” and Polly King, Ms. North Carolina 2015, and her partner Joseph Hasson.

The North Carolina Senior America Pageant is a non-profit organization which seeks to enhance the image of women who have reached the “Age of Elegance,” 60 years or better. The pageant honors the gracious woman who best exemplifies dignity, maturity, and inner beauty. Learn more at www.mssenioramericapageant.com and www.ncsenioramerica.com.