Sparta Woman Competing For Ms. Tennessee Senior America

One of Sparta’s own is competing to be the next Ms. Tennessee Senior America.

Seventy-Four-Year-Old Sherry Hickey is up against 15 other contestants in an online voting system. Hickey said she is participating to represent her community but to also show other seniors anything is possible.

“I have multiple sclerosis,” Hickey said. “When I first moved here 15 years ago from Illinois, I was on a cane at all times. Then, I started gong to Vanderbilt Hospital, and I was injecting with copaxone every single day. Now, must people can’t tell that I have MS.”

Hickey said she earned a spot at the state level after winning the senior pageant at the White County Fair two years. Hickey said that was her first pageant of her career.

“This is totally out of my comfort zone,” Hickey said. “My girl friend Dr. Gina Loveland entered me and crazy enough I won. So, I have no pageant experience whatsoever. I think it is only fair if you enter into a competition, and you are representing White County, it is only for White County is represented.”

Voting continues online until April 17th when Hickey will participate at the in-person pageant at Palace Theater in Crossville. Contestants will be judged based on talent, interviews and the final evening gown.

Hickey is the President of the Sparta’s women’s club, and a member of the Sparta Chamber of Commerce and Gardening Club.