Cheryl Chaucer—Ms. Louisiana Senior America 2008
A True Louisiana Treasure 

Recently crowned Ms. Louisiana Senior America 2008, Cheryl Chaucer is not your typical beauty pageant contestant.

Far from average, this Ponchatoula resident has a Juris Doctorate degree and a Bachelor of Science degree in Public Relations and Communications. She has received the National Petroleum Award of Excellence, the Presidential National Achievement Award and was recognized as the Outstanding Professional Woman of the Year in the State of Louisiana.
During her employment for a Fortune 500 company, she worked as public relations representative for its charitable, civic and cultural organizations, including serving as president of their board of directors of their 5,000 member credit union and president of their 1,500 member employee’s club. Utilizing her organizational and public relations skills, Cheryl now works as a part-time consultant for Chaucer Holding Company in Hammond.

“Whatever I set my mind to, I do with dedication and enthusiasm,” said Cheryl, smiling, clearly full of life. “I give everything 250%.”

Her dedication to the community is obvious. During the past 40 years, she has been involved as president, vice president, board member or committee chairman for many organizations such as the New Orleans Opera Association, New Orleans City Ballet, New Orleans Museum of Art, Contemporary Arts Center, Hammond Regional Arts Center, Hospice, Make-a-Wish Foundation, Child Advocacy Services, Children’s Hospital, St. Elizabeth’s Orphanage, Hope Haven, Cancer Crusaders, United Way, New Orleans Chamber of Commerce, Columbia Theatre, Jefferson Performing Arts Center, Women for a Better Louisiana, Audubon Zoo, Aquarium of the Americas and New Orleans SPCA. Over the past 25 years, Cheryl’s involvement in the community via chairmanships and affiliations has raised over $10 million dollars for local charities. Over the past five years, she has become very active with Southeastern Louisiana University, the fastest growing university in the nation. She is also active in church where she is a lector and Eucharistic minister.

“I feel that if you are blessed, you should become the blessing,” said Cheryl.

Her talents seem endless. Amazingly, Cheryl is also a gifted performer. With her grandfather’s encouragement, she entered her first talent show when she was six-years-old and won first place. She studied and performed under a nationally acclaimed voice and performance coach at the age of seven, and by the time she turned 13, she starred in her first operetta. She sang on a monthly radio show and performed in several television spots and commercials. Throughout the next 30 years, she sang the lead role in three theatrical productions, directed two church choirs, sang in a women’s performing chorus within six states and sang lead in a performing, championship quartet. She also made guest appearances with some of the greatest New Orleans entertainers, including Pete Fountain, Al Hirt, Ronnie Kole, Clarence “Frogman” Henry, Fats Domino, Allen Toussaint, Frankie Ford, Irma Thomas and the Neville Brothers. “The highlight of my musical career was when I was invited to tour four military bases with Bob Hope and his USO show,” said Cheryl, who continues to sing her heart out for her friends and family, which grew larger six years ago when she married Bill Chaucer, after he lost his first wife to cancer.

“Cheryl is an amazing person. She has brought a lot of joy into my life,” said Bill, who together with Cheryl, has become very active in five Mardi Gras organizations. In fact, in 2011 they will reign as King and Queen of Excalibur in Metairie. “Atlantic City better watch out. ‘Hurricane Cheryl’ is coming its way,” said Bill with a great big grin, referring to the upcoming Ms. Senior America Pageant happening there October 19 through 25.

Even though the pageant is in its 36th year, the State of Louisiana is entering for the first time this year. Based on Cheryl’s accomplishments and zest for life, it is no surprise that she is the inaugural Ms. Louisiana Senior America. Honoring women who have reached the “Age of Elegance,” Ms. Senior America awards the title to the lady who best exemplifies the dignity, maturity and inner beauty of all senior Americans. The pageant’s philosophy is based upon the belief that seniors are the foundation of America and our most valuable treasure.

Whether or not Cheryl comes home from Atlantic City with the Ms. Senior America 2008 crown or simply Ms. Louisiana Senior America, Cheryl is definitely one of Northshore’s true treasures.