Carolyn Vance of Thorsby was crowned Ms. Senior Chilton County on Friday night and will compete in Ms. Senior Alabama on May 8.

Of the three contestants, all were winners. Faye Brown of Clanton was named Miss Congeniality and First Alternate, while Marie Smith of Clanton was named Second Alternate.

“I can truly say it’s such a pleasure to be elected Ms. Senior Chilton County,” Vance said. “To the best of my ability, I will serve my county’s senior citizens, and I’m very thankful that the people placed their confidence in me.”

For her talent, Vance sang “May I Have This Dance” by Anne Murray. She and the other contestants were judged in talent (30 percent), interview (30 percent), evening gown and poise (20 percent) and philosophy of life (20 percent).

After the pageant, family members, judges and pageant coordinators — including Director Wes Gandy and family — congratulated each contestant. Vance’s husband, Dalton, gave her a kiss and a bouquet backstage. Then family members and others posed for a photo session.

2009 Ms. Senior Chilton County Lucile McFarland said her farewells and officially passed the crown down to Vance.

“I don’t think this would be possible without the sponsors we have,” Gandy said. “We’ve had tons of support throughout Chilton County. The more aware the senior population is of this pageant, I think, the more participation there will be later down the road.”

Vance is married to Dalton Vance and is the mother of four children and grandmother of four.

The state pageant will be held May 8 at Wallace State Community College in Hanceville.