A sold-out crowd of more than 550 people filled Silverdale Center Creekside Theater Thursday evening as Miss America 2026 Cassie Donegan opened the seventh annual Morning Pointe Foundation Seniors Got Talent Chattanooga with a special duet performance alongside 2025 Seniors Got Talent champion Jeffrey Wells, helping celebrate the extraordinary talents of older adults while the event raised over $45,000 to support scholarships for future healthcare professionals and free caregiver education programs.

This year's winners included:

• First Place: Dr. Terri Hall, 73, singer, of Cleveland
• Second Place: Fernando Guadarrama, 80, saxophonist, of Soddy Daisy
• Third Place: Mark Walker, 62, dancer, of Chattanooga
• People's Choice Award: Suzanne Adams, 75, pianist, of Chattanooga

"I had so much fun," said Ms. Donegan. "The talent on that stage was incredible, and every performance was unique in its own way. The audience brought so much energy, and you could truly feel the joy throughout the theater. It was an honor to be part of such a special evening celebrating these remarkable seniors."

"What an incredible evening," said Greg A. Vital, co-founder of Morning Pointe Senior Living. "Every year this show continues to grow, but this year's sold-out crowd and remarkable performances made it one of our best yet. Having Miss America join us made the evening even more memorable. Cassie brought warmth, enthusiasm and genuine appreciation for every contestant, and she helped make an already special night even more exciting for our audience."

Presented by the Morning Pointe Foundation in partnership with Morning Pointe Senior Living, the annual competition featured contestants age 60 and older from across the Tennessee Valley and North Georgia showcasing their talents before an enthusiastic audience. The event raises scholarship funds for students pursuing careers in nursing, social work, therapy and culinary arts at partner schools — including Tennessee College of Applied Technology Chattanooga, Chattanooga State Community College, the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, Southern Adventist University, Cleveland State Community College, Dalton State College and Tennessee College of Applied Technology Athens — while also supporting free caregiver education programs for families caring for aging loved ones.

This year’s 12 acts spanned generations and genres — from a bluegrass band and a barbershop-style vocal quartet to a comedian-magician, a harmonicist and a saxophonist — with contestants ranging in age from 60 to 83. It was truly an amazing show, a testament to just how wide-ranging and enduring creative talent can be.

"What begins as an evening of entertainment becomes something much bigger," said Miranda Perez, executive director of the Morning Pointe Foundation. "Every performance inspires the audience, every sponsor helps make the event possible, and every dollar raised helps prepare future healthcare professionals while supporting families caring for aging loved ones. Raising over $45,000 with a sold-out crowd is an incredible accomplishment, and we're grateful to everyone who helped make it happen."

New this year, the Morning Pointe Foundation Seniors Got Talent Resident Art Show showcased original artwork by Morning Pointe resident artists, judged by area artistic professionals. Donna Clingan, 88, a resident of The Lantern at Morning Pointe Alzheimer's Center of Excellence, Chattanooga, earned both the Overall Best Art Award and the Resident People's Choice Award, receiving top honors from both the judges and event attendees.

"I entered on a whim after hearing about Seniors Got Talent for years, and I never imagined I'd be standing here as the winner," said Dr. Hall. "The talent was outstanding, the volunteers were wonderful, and everyone made us feel so welcome. Opportunities like this remind people our age that it's never too late to get on stage and share what you love."

Fernando Guadarrama, who captured second place after learning about the competition on Facebook, said the experience exceeded every expectation.

"I decided to give it a try, and I had no idea it would be this incredible," he said. "Walking onto that stage was exciting, and being part of an event that celebrates seniors and their talents was an honor. I'm grateful to have been part of such a special evening."

The Morning Pointe Foundation extends its appreciation to every contestant, resident artist, judge, volunteer, sponsor and guest whose support helped make the evening a tremendous success.