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TAHLEQUAH, Okla. --She wants to be known as an advocate for the elderly, but students at Northeastern State University know 71-year-old Muriel Saunders as their homecoming queen.
Saunders was crowned Saturday night during halftime ceremonies at Northeastern's football game against East Central University. Saunders was among five finalists for homecoming queen. All of the other finalists were in their 20s.
"I was overwhelmed the kids voted for me," Saunders said. "I really didn't expect it. I thought I might make a good showing."
Spectators cheered and applauded when Saunders' name was announced. After the coronation, students and well-wishers mobbed Saunders to have their photograph taken with her.
"I don't know what the big deal is. I guess it's because of my age," said Saunders, a graduate student from Muskogee and an 11-year member of the Muskogee School Board.
"When they first announced the homecoming queen, my friend Gaylynn Nance encouraged me to do it," Saunders said. "We mentioned it to people, and everyone supported it. I felt like it would be good to do, so I applied."
Nance, 46, was convinced Saunders would be named homecoming queen.
"I knew it would happen. She is so beloved by everyone -- the faculty, the staff and the students," Nance said. "Muriel has gone through so much during her life. She is a 40-year cancer survivor."
Saunders said as queen she might be involved in some publicity duties for the university, but she is not sure of her official duties.
"I am an advocate for older citizens," Saunders said. "I want to change the image in this country people have of older people. Older people are not to be shoved aside."
http://www.boston.com/news/odd/articles/2005/09/25/71_year_old_woman_crowned_homecoming_queen?mode=PF
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