Shankle crowned Ms. Senior Arkansas

 

story and photos by Brittany Ransom
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Foye Jean Shankle of Hartford was crowned Ms. Arkansas 2011 at the 23rd annual Ms. Senior Arkansas Pageant held Saturday (June 18). Ten contestants succeeded in “Puttin’ on the Ritz” as they displayed their beauty, poise and talent onstage at the Alma Performing Arts Center.

Contestants were judged in four categories including interview, talent, evening gown and philosophy of life. Interviews were held the morning of the event, while the remaining three events were scored during the pageant. During introductions, each contestant modeled her evening gown and spoke to the crowd about her philosophy on life.

The talent portion of the event included performances from each of the ladies. Talents ranged from singing and dancing, to comedy and flag routines. According to the program, the talent presentation is “an integral part of the Ms. Senior Arkansas Pageant” in that “it is a gift that does not diminish with age.”

The evening was filled with entertainment provided by several local individuals and former Ms. Senior Arkansas queens. Featured acts included Aspen Knight and Rebecca Wheeley, Miss Arkansas River. Knight sang two songs while Wheeley performed a tap routine to the classic “Proud Mary.” A silent auction, benefitting the Senior America organization, was also held prior to and during the pageant.

During the event, Miss Senior Arkansas 2007, Dolores Bates-Ray, made a memorial presentation in honor of the late Miss Arkansas 1993, Velta Ming, who passed away in September. Ming served as pageant director and was an active volunteer for the Senior America Program. In 2005 she was named Honorary Ms. Senior America, in recognition of her dedication to the organization.

In relinquishing her crown, Ms. Senior Arkansas 2010 Judy Hargrave spoke about her experiences as queen and about the wonderful memories and friends she made during her reign. She reflected on the opportunities she was given as Ms. Senior Arkansas and expressed her gratitude to the organization.

Before announcing the top five, prizes were awarded based on individual judging criteria. Judy Atwell of Van Buren was named Miss Congeniality. Patsy Harp took home the top prize for talent while Shankle won for evening wear.

During the coronation ceremony, Mary Roberts of Hartford was named fourth runner-up. Lorraine King-Markum of Winslow won third runner-up and Patsy Harp of Farmington won second runner-up. Donna Kingston of Paragould took first runner-up and Shankle was crowned. Emcee Joe Lloyd noted that history was made at this year’s event with two sisters, Shankle and Roberts both being named to the top five.

Shankle will represent Arkansas at the Miss Senior America Pageant in Atlantic City in October.