MS UTAH SENIOR AMERICA 2016,
CLAUDETTE EREK

Congratulations to Claudette Erek, Ms Utah 2016!

Claudette was born and raised in Florida, where her mother owned a dance studio. She grew up dancing and performing and made her stage debut at 19 months of age. She continued performing during childhood and college, studying at the June Taylor School of Dance in New York City. As a member of the Gymkana Troupe 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 and 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.

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 77 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 of cancer patients and found her niche in helping them through Project Angel Heart, an organization which prepares and delivers custom meals for cancer patients.

Claudette is proud and honored to represent the State of Utah. Her family enjoys exploring the unsurpassed beauty of Utah's National Parks. Their favorites are Bryce Canyon, consisting of breathtaking colorful rock formations, and Zion National Park with its spectacular cliff-and-canyon landscape and wilderness. Claudette is a published author, an award-winning photographer, a cognitive skills trainer and a Board Member of the Fine Arts Foundation. 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 ays, “Each day is a gift and another day to live!”