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Sonia Reinhardt Mittelstedts' Biography:
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Sonia is a woman of many talents. Born and raised in Santurce Puert Rico; she received extensive instruction in Piano, in Ballet and in Flamenco Dance. She ran her own school of Dance in California for fifteen years, as a member of "The Dance Educators of America". In 1954 she competed for the of Miss Puerto Rico Title to represent the Island in the Miss Universe Pageant.
Sonia has always been facinated by beautiful gowns, so it was no surprise when she discovered her true love and utmost gift, designing gowns. She opened a Bridal Boutique and designed Wedding Gowns with the help of her husband Ed doing all the gown sketching.
Sonia has continued her dance studies on and off through out her life. She believes that being the Ms Senior America 1998 National Queen has been one of the biggest accomplishments of her life.
In 2005 Sonia and her husband Ed were appointed as the National Directors for the Ms Senior America National Pageant; and they have taken Senior America to the Highest Level Ever. They work very hard to make it possible that some day in the near future, our National Pageant will be at the same level as the Miss America and the Miss Universe Pageants (IT WILL HAPPEN!).
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Philosophy of Life
from Sonia Reinhardt Mittelstedt
as Ms. Wyoming Sr. 1998
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"I believe in forgiveness. Put the past behind you; its
gone. Life is a long path; stumble over it and keep on going. Life
is precious and very fragile. You only have one life to live.
Live today as if it were to be your last, but learn today as if you were going
to live forever."
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Ms.
Senior America 1998
Sonia Reinhardt Mittelstedt |
The Queen and Her Court
The Coronation
The Top 10
| Being the reigning Ms. Senior America National Queen has been one of the
biggest accomplishments in my life. I have met the most beautiful people
during this time, which I will always keep in my heart. During my reign I
have participated in fabulous showcases, such as the one at the Trump Taj Mahal
Casino Resort headed by Louise Ferla. I have made national television
appearances on shows such as PBS' To The Contrary and FOX' FOX News,
and have also been a guest on local television shows such as New York's Message
to WJZ News and Virginia's Jones Cable Dancing around with Pinky O'Neill. |
I
have been in too many newspaper articles to even recount. I was featured
in the People Profiles section of the August 1999 edition of Good
Housekeeping. I have been in Parades such as the Beach Feast on the
boardwalk of Atlantic City. I have performed at fundraisers for causes
such as the Women In Need (WIN) Foundation. I have given speeches at many
events such as luncheons for local Chamber of Commerce. I have given talks
to groups at several senior centers and assisted living centers. At each
and every opportunity I have promoted the Senior America organization to the
best of my ability. |
Below Left: Sonia Performs The Sevillanas
Below Right: Sonia Performs a Flamenco Rumba
 
During my reign I have become extra motivated to
continue my studies in Flamenco dance at the Peabody Conservatory of Music in Baltimore Maryland, so that I will be better able to exhibit my talent to promote Senior America at future events and showcases.
 | | Above Sonia Dances the Flamenco Rumba |
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Sonia performing during the November 2006 National Pageant in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Sonia and her husband Ed are the National Directors for Senior America Inc.
For the past two years Sonia has Produced, Directed, Choreographed and written the script for the Ms Senior America National Pageants.
 I
feel that I have been and will continue to be a good example to all seniors
as well as the younger generations because I take care of myself, I eat right, I
exercise, and I have a positive attitude toward everything in my life.
but, most of all, I like who I am and I would not want to be anyone else.
I want to be an inspiration to everyone I meet and help them to realize that
life goes on no matter what good or ill befalls you. When you reach the
"Age of Elegance," that is when your life is really taking off.
I
have really enjoyed my reign, and wish that I could do it all over
again. However, now the time has come to give someone else the honor and
the privilege to become the new Ms. Senior America. This is truly a once
in a lifetime experience and I wish my successor the best. I hope that she
will take full advantage of all the opportunities that this title bestows upon
her.
I
want to thank everyone involved with Senior America for allowing me
to be your sister and for your great support. I especially want to thank
our Founder Dr. Al Mott and Betsy Appello; my husband Ed; my
dear friends Bob and Louise Ferla; Marvin and Ethel Bennett; Pinky O'Neil; and
my dearest Marlene Shuss and Bob Geltman. I wish for each and every one of
you good health, prosperity, and happiness in the new Millennium.
Thank you,
Sonia Reinhardt Mittelstedt
Ms. Senior America 1998
Download a Video of Sonia's Farewell Speech from The New York New York Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas in 1999. (Please Note that this is very large file and depending on your download speed could take several minutes to download)
Get her Video
(84MB)
Sonia's Last Walk when she gave up her Crown in 1999.
Sonia and Ilva Childers at the 2001 Cameo Ball; they are sisters! Since then, Ilva has pasted on and it has been a great loss for the entire family.
Special thanks from Senior America, Inc. to Ilva Childers, Ms. Wyoming 2001,
and Wyoming State Director, for our lovely Ms. Senior America 1998.
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