Alexandra 50 Squadron Air Training Corps squadron leader Jill Checketts was crowned at the Alexandra District Club by last year’s winner Shirl Marsden. Runners-up were Linda Leckie and Angela Pratley, both of Alexandra.
Organised by the Clyde and Districts Lions Club the event saw an audience of about 100 people enjoying an afternoon celebrating the work of the women in the community.
They watched a parade of the latest fashion from Flying with Birds, in Alexandra, modelled by members of the Alexandra and Districts Lions Club. The Blossom Festival princesses were introduced and after the crowning of the Senior Queen there was a Devonshire tea.
Mrs Checketts first became involved in the New Zealand Air Training Corps (ATC) when her son Shane joined in 1995. Now in his 40s, Mr Checketts has his private flying licence and is training in acrobatic flying.
After the crowning Mrs Checketts said she agreed to enter to promote the ATC and demonstrate stepping out of your comfort zone to the cadets.
"I wasn’t initially that keen but I’d do anything for the cadets."
She also wanted to show them that you could experience all sorts of things if you put yourself out there.
"I’m leading by example."
Hundreds of young people had gone through the ATC in her years and you got so much back by being involved with young people, Mrs Checketts said.
"They are amazing, amazing people and I have every faith in the future of this community because of the calibre of the teenager I get to interact with on a weekly basis."
Cadets came from Queenstown, Wanaka and Alexandra each week for training, she said.
