The MHCA Legacy Pageant is a cherished tradition that celebrates the lives, experiences, and lasting contributions of residents from long-term care communities across Missouri. Each year, member facilities select a representative to participate in their district pageant, with district winners advancing to the statewide Legacy Pageant held during MHCA’s Annual Convention & Trade Show.
The 2026 State Legacy Pageant took place on Sunday, Aug. 23, during MHCA’s 78th Annual Convention & Trade Show in Branson. Congratulations to our entire 2026 State Legacy Pageant Court and contestants! Thank you to everyone who participated, cheered from the audience, and helped make this year’s pageant a memorable event.
2026 State Legacy Pageant Winners
2026 State Legacy Pageant Queen
Lavern Fry
Lake Stockton Healthcare Facility
District 4
2026 1st Runner-Up
Harold Detjen
Missouri Veterans Home – Cape Girardeau
District 5
2026 2nd Runner-Up
Sheri Wright
Oregon Care Center
District 2
2026 District Legacy Pageant Winners
DISTRICT 1
Queen – Shirley Roy, Carnegie Village Senior Living & Healthcare
1st Runner Up – Pam Walker, Missouri Veterans Home – Warrensburg
DISTRICT 2
Queen – Sheri Wright, Oregon Care Center
1st Runner Up – Margaret Lyle, Abundant Acres Care and Rehab
DISTRICT 3
Queen – Vernita Grant, NHC Healthcare Maryland Heights
1st Runner Up – Jackie Gitel, Garden View Care Centers of Chesterfield
DISTRICT 4
Queen – Lavern Fry, Lake Stockton Healthcare Facility
1st Runner Up – Donan Endsley Meinn, Spring Valley Health & Rehabilitation Center
2nd Runner Up – Marjorie Fields, Gainesville Healthcare Center Bel-Oak
DISTRICT 5
King – Harold Detjen, Missouri Veterans Home – Cape Girardeau
1st Runner Up – Helen Gohn, The Villas of Jackson
2nd Runner Up – Gloria Morris, Communities of Country Place
DISTRICT 6
Queen – Bernice “Bobbye” Herzberg, Elsberry Health Care Center
1st Runner Up – Joanne Ragan, Clark County Nursing Home
2nd Runner Up – Nina Waller, Loch Haven Senior Living Community
DISTRICT 7
Queen – Ann Rackers, StoneBridge Westphalia
1st Runner Up – Mary Gant, StoneBridge Oak Tree