Did you know there’s a place where being an over-65-year-old woman makes you eligible for royalty? Where decades of life experience, hard-won wisdom and meaningful contributions to the community are the qualifications that matter most?

In our youth-focused world, it’s easy to forget that seniors have life paths worth celebrating. But in Pueblo, something magical happens every September that puts these remarkable women exactly where they belong—in the spotlight.

A tradition born from the heart

Fifty-one years ago, a group of volunteers with the Pueblo Chamber of Commerce had a simple but profound idea: What if we shine a light on the amazing journeys of women 65 and older living in local nursing homes or assisted living facilities?

What began as a modest effort to include these residents in community festivities has since grown into something more meaningful—the Silver Queen Pageant, now a beloved annual tradition carried on by Sangre de Cristo Community Care.

On September 26, Ann Clark-Hall, a resident at Spanish Peaks Community Living Center, was crowned the 50th Silver Queen during a ceremony at the Pueblo Country Club. Photo by David Hayden

This isn’t your typical beauty pageant. There are no talent shows or evening gown competitions. Instead, it’s a celebration of something far more beautiful and lasting—the richness of lives well-lived.

“It’s such a cool idea,” said Stephanie Ivankovich, marketing communications manager for Sangre de Cristo, who is organizing this year’s pageant. “We love recognizing the senior women in our community. It’s so special because everyone has a story. When they share those, they just light up—and it’s inspiring to be a part of that.”

Each year, nursing and assisted living facilities from Pueblo, Cañon City, La Junta, Trinidad and Walsenburg nominate residents for the title of Silver Queen. The requirements are simple: nominees must be at least 65 years old and living in a participating facility.

As the nominations come in, the Sangre de Cristo team works with the facilities’ activities directors to create filmed interviews, giving each lady a chance to share her proudest accomplishments and the life experiences that have shaped her. 

“We’ll ask about anything memorable that happened throughout their life,” Ivankovich said. “It’s so fun to listen to them. You just never know what someone’s gone through.”

Over the years, finalists have shared experiences ranging from surviving the Dust Bowl to serving in volunteer firefighting roles. Last year’s winner, Ann Clark-Hall, was 92 years old when she was crowned. She lives at Spanish Peaks Veterans Community Living Center in Walsenburg, but her story began far from Colorado.

Born in Birmingham, Alabama, Hall attended Troy State Teachers College before serving as a nurse during the Korean War, where she outranked her first husband. At 52, she returned to college—this time alongside her son—to earn her bachelor’s degree in psychology and sociology. She went on to complete a master’s degree in counseling and human development, building a career that spanned nursing, counseling and teaching as a college professor.

The proud mother of two sons, grandmother to three and great-grandmother to one, Clark-Hall is the kind of extraordinary woman the Silver Queen Pageant strives to recognize—a testament to resilience, curiosity and the ability to keep growing at any age.

Everyone’s a winner

When all the nominees’ incredible tales have been captured on video, a preliminary judging process selects the finalists. These ladies go on to compete for the crown, with the culmination being a special ceremony at which the finalists are honored and their videos shared. 

A panel of community judges evaluates each candidate based on her history, community contributions and personal character. Then they select the Silver Queen, a runner-up and Miss Congeniality. 

The Silver Queen Pageant has grown into a cherished annual tradition presented by Sangre de Cristo Community Care. In 2023, 98-year-old Dorothy Ohlsen of Bonaventure of Pueblo was awarded the crown. Photo by David Hayden.

While the winners receive awards, the real prize is the recognition and joy of the celebration itself. Some of the facilities even hold watch parties for the livestreamed pageant, to cheer on their contestant.

“It’s my first year planning the event,” Ivankovich said, “so I’m excited to see what it’s like.” 

The pageant isn’t open to the public, but its impact extends far beyond the actual event. For families, it’s a moment to connect, make memories and even learn something new about a loved one’s history. Staff members gain a deeper appreciation for the residents they care for daily. And the videos themselves become treasured keepsakes that capture the women’s unique voices for generations to come.

The crown you can give

As this year’s event draws closer, Ivankovich and the Sangre de Cristo team are busy gathering the experiences of these accomplished women. 

“We’re still getting videos in,” Ivankovich said. “I can’t wait to see who’s nominated.” 

In a world that rushes toward what’s new, it’s easy for the wisdom of age to fade into the background. The Silver Queen Pageant offers a moment to pause that rush, reminding us that our elders are not just residents in a facility, but living archives of our shared history. 

But you don’t need a formal pageant to honor the remarkable women in your own life. The next time you’re with your grandmother, neighbor or family friend, ask about her proudest moment and listen to an anecdote you may not have heard before. Sometimes the crown that sparkles brightest is the one we give with our time, our ears and our hearts.

WATCH THE 2025 PAGEANT HERE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8NCvvHGItqo

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