This past summer, Urbanna Oyster Festival Queen contestant Macon Kissman and her Little Miss Spat Camdyn Putney dedicated their time to raising awareness about the lack of socialization among elderly members of the community. Inspired by her own observations and conversations with older adults, Macon wanted her project to focus on the mental and physical benefits that come from connecting with others as well as the challenges many elderly residents face in staying engaged.
Partnering with Bay Aging, Macon and Camdyn set out to hear directly from those impacted. They interviewed three residents at Port Town Village, two family members with loved ones in nursing homes or receiving care from in-home caretakers, one caretaker, and Kathy Vesley, a leader at Bay Aging. These interviews revealed heartfelt stories of resilience, loneliness, and the joy that comes from even small acts of companionship.
Macon’s goal was to encourage her community to take an active role in supporting elderly residents. She and Camdyn shared the importance of simple gestures: visiting a neighbor, writing a card, or taking time to talk. They also highlighted how organizations like Bay Aging work to connect seniors with resources, activities, and people who care.
Throughout the project, Macon and Camdyn formed close bonds with the individuals they met. They enjoyed hearing personal stories, learning about each person’s life, and seeing how much of a difference it made when someone simply listened. These moments reminded them that socialization is not just about preventing loneliness, it’s about creating joy and preserving dignity.
What Macon enjoyed most about the competition was spending time with Camdyn, working as a team, and meeting so many inspiring people in the process. The two created lasting memories visiting different locations, having heartfelt conversations, and laughing together during their travels. Camdyn enjoyed being able to have a “big sister” through this process. She loved being able to spend time with her Queen and see into what the future may hold for her.
Macon is a senior at Christchurch School and Camdyn is in the first grade at Middlesex Elementary. Macon has played volleyball since the fourth grade and was awarded the Defensive Award for her performance. She has made the dean’s list every year of high school and has devoted many volunteer hours to Lower United Methodist Church and the YMCA. After graduation, she plans to attend either East Carolina University, High Point University, or the College of Charleston to pursue a degree in marketing.
Macon is the daughter of David Kissman and Rosabeth Ward.
Camdyn is the daughter of Gina and Brandon Putney.
