Wanda Shirk was a 55-year-old English Teacher from Ulysses, Pennsylvania when she became the oldest contestant on
Survivor: Palau and one of the first two people eliminated through the Schoolyard Pick twist. A graduate of Clarion University with a Master's in Education, Wanda was known for her eccentric personality and tendency to burst into song, including self-composed
Survivor-themed tunes. Her enthusiastic singing may have contributed to the other contestants not selecting her, as she was seen as potentially disruptive to camp life. Wanda shares the distinction with Jonathan Libby of being the only contestants eliminated on Day 1 without ever competing in a challenge or attending Tribal Council.
