MS HAWAII SENIOR AMERICA 2013,
CLAUDETTE EREK

CONGRATULATIONS to CLAUDETT EREK, Ms Hawaii Senior America 2013!

Claudette was born and raised in Pensacola, Florida where her mother owned and operated a dance studio. Claudette grew up dancing and performing at various events and made her stage debut at 19 months of age. She continued performing during her school years and throughout college. One summer she studied dance at the June Taylor School of Dance in New York City. As a member of the Gymkana Troup at Florida State University, she was an instructor for the Tallahassee Tumbling Tots who appeared on the Mickey Mouse Club television program. After obtaining her Business Degree, Claudette was recruited by the Central Intelligence Agency where she worked in the Washington D.C. area. Her career continued in the legal and marketing professions which took her to San Diego, California where she met her husband, Bruce, a Naval Officer. They relocated to Littleton, Colorado where they raised their two children, Claudia and Steven.

When her children became teenagers Claudette went back to school to learn computers so she could re-enter the business world. She was hired by an investment firm where eventually she became their Marketing Coordinator. Claudette enjoyed utilizing her business skills by developing innovative marketing programs and training company representatives. At age 65 she began a new career as a Cognitive Skills Trainer. She works with kindergartners on up to seniors to help improve and sharpen their learning skills, and she enjoys seeing the differences it makes in their lives.

Approaching the age of 60 Claudette was diagnosed with a stage three cancer. She did not think she would make it, but she survived; and now at age 74 her life is better than ever. She exercises daily, not only physically but also mentally and spiritually. From her personal experience she understands the struggles that cancer patients endure and she found her niche in helping them through Project Angel Heart, an organization which prepares and delivers custom meals for cancer patients who cannot help themselves and are dependent upon "angels." She also supports Bessie’s Hope, a unique group whose mission is to bring at-risk youth and seniors together. Because of this program, the youth feel valued and the seniors feel comforted by their companionship.

Claudette and her family have adopted Hawaii as their "second home" as they have enjoyed spending part of each year there for the past 30 years. Claudette is overwhelmed by its unsurpassed beauty and the magical feeling she derives from it. She refers to it as her sanctuary. Claudette is honored and proud to be able to represent the State of Hawaii in the Ms. Senior America Pageant. She is delighted that she will be dancing in tap shoes and wearing a costume that she performed in during high school.

Claudette is a published author, an award-winning photographer, a cognitive skills trainer and a Board Member of the Fine Arts Foundation. In 2009 she chaired its annual fundraising jubilee which brought in record funds for cultural arts organizations. She has received recognition by the City of Littleton as a three-time recipient of the Guest Citizen Award for her award-winning photographs. Currently she is developing a book of her photographs for publication. Having received numerous speaking awards, Claudette looks forward to speaking at her weekly Toastmasters meeting where she serves as a Club Officer. In addition to dancing, her passion is gardening, and she enjoys traveling, skiing, reading, sewing and serving as a steward in her church. As a cancer survivor, Claudette says, "Each day is a gift and another day to live!"