PORT ANGELES – Port Angeles City Councilmember and former mayor Cherie Kidd returned home triumphant this weekend, having been crowned Ms. Senior USA in Las Vegas on Saturday.

Kidd, who was first runner-up in last year’s contest, talks about what motivates her.

“It’s a national title and I’m thrilled to bring that home to Port Angeles because I’ve always been promoting Port Angeles. But now I’m also promoting Washington State. And we’re out there to inspire senior women and let people know that age is no longer a barrier. That’s gets me in the gym, that gets me to dance lessons. That’s what keeps me young. We need something to be motivated and something to look forward to because that’s what it’s all about.”

Kidd says winning the title of Ms. Senior USA will keep her busy this year with traveling and speaking engagements.

In March of this year, she attended the United Nation’s International Women’s Day in New York as a representative of the Ms. Senior Universe Organization, and was named an official Senior United Nations Ambassador.