An Andalusia woman is among 69 nursing home residents who are expected to gather at the Wynfrey Hotel in Hoover on Monday, July 22, at 2 p.m. for the annual Ms. Alabama Nursing Home Pageant.

Ms. Andalusia Manor Jane Lucas will represent Covington County, and already was judged one of the top 10 finalists in a preliminary competition in Montgomery.

The winner will serve as a spokesperson for nursing home residents and the Alabama Nursing Home Association (ANHA).

“These 69 ladies are to be commended because they are wonderful ambassadors for their individual nursing home and Alabama’s long-term care profession,” ANHA President Richard Brockman said. “Each one captures the spirit of the Ms. Alabama Nursing Home Pageant which is a celebration of life and of our nursing home residents’ contributions to the lives of others.”

Miss Alabama Chandler Champion will co-host the event, and Ms. Senior Alabama Niva Dorough will serve on the panel of celebrity judges. Other celebrity judges include Alabama Quality Assurance Foundation CEO Dr. Wes Smith, retired senior services manager Lee Sanders and Alagasco’s Jackie Goggins.

Preliminary judging was held in Montgomery in June, where the field of 69 contestants was narrowed to the top 10 finalists. Contestants are evaluated on their outlook on life, personality, poise and involvement in their individual nursing homes.

The other finalists in the Top 10 for the Ms. Alabama Nursing Home Pageant are:

• Ms. Cullman Health Care & Rehab Center, Ruthann Salser, Cullman;

• Ms. ElReposo Nursing Facility, Marion Sharp, Florence;

• Ms. Enterprise Health & Rehab Center, Verdell Goodson, Enterprise;

• Ms. Florence Nursing & Rehab Center, Ruth Elaine Alexander;

• Ms. Golden Living Center Arab, Willodean Weaver, Arab;

• Ms. Hillview Terrace Rehab Select, Gloria Walker, Montgomery;

• Ms. Lauderdale Christian Nursing Home, Lois Townsend, Killen;

• Ms. Talladega Health & Rehab, Martha Grant, Talladega; and,

• Ms. Woodland Village Health Care, Elaine Blankenship, Cullman.

The top 10 finalists will have individual interviews with the panel of celebrity judges on the morning of July 22 before competing on stage that afternoon. All of the other contestants in attendance will make up the honor court and will be individually recognized during the pageant. The pageant is free and the public is invited to attend.