Wednesday, March 15, 2000
Wednesday, March 15, 2000 |
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Ms. Southland of 21st century named By JANET
McGREGOR Mary Ann Walters, 76, was crowed Ms. Southland 2000 at the annual Southland Nursing Home Beauty Pageant in Peachtree City this year. Walters, who has lived at Southland for just over a year, was the first runner up in the 1999 Ms. Southland competition. She is the mother of five children, has five grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. Walters said that being married to her husband for 46 years was the greatest career she could have chosen. She enjoys singing, writing poetry and reading good books. Walters also writes poetry. During the judging, she recited one of her poems for the judges and visitors and talked about her involvement in Southland's Mardi Gras Parade. Her spirit, good humor, enjoyment in life and quick wit were attributes the pageant judges mentioned as contributing to their decision in choosing her for the honor. When Judge Chris Edwards, emcee of the pageant, announced she was the winner, she gave her daughter a quick thumbs-up as she was brought to the center stage. She didn't stop beaming through all of the pictures, congratulatory hugs and the subsequent reception. Walters was crowned Ms. Southland 2000 by last year's winner, Virginia Arnold, and Julie Diana Dye, Teen Miss Georgia 2000. Dye, 17, is a junior in Peachtree City. In addition to winning the title of Teen Miss Georgia, she was crowned Miss North Atlanta and Miss Pride of Fayette County in 1999. When Walters was asked by Commissioner Greg Dunn, one of the pageant judges, what she thought about winning, she replied, “I'm afraid to take a deep breath in case it all goes away and the bubble bursts.” She told another contestant, “This is the best moment of my life.” The annual event once again attracted a large crowd to watch ten lovely ladies vied for the title of Ms. Southland. Commissioner Greg Dunn, Debra Fowler, Debbie Lenox, Janet McGregor, Sen. Rick Price and Dr. Tom Williams had the difficult job of choosing the winner of the contest. Judge Chris Edwards was the official emcee, introducing each of the contestants and posing questions to help the judges in making a decision. Each of the contestants was introduced by Edwards and asked a question or two or asked to show off a particular talent. Hazel Buchanan, dressed in a beautiful purple outfit complete with a matching hat, once again displayed her talent of being able to spell words backward. Edwards tried to get Emma Harralson to give his name as the answer when she was asked what the most beautiful sight she had ever seen was, but she insisted her children were better looking. Nettie Knight, 102, wasn't shy in letting everyone know that she loved having her picture in the newspaper and that she “wanted to win.” Some of the ladies shared their enjoyment in participating in activities at Southland, such as the recent Mardi Gras Parade. Others talked about their families and how various events, like Pearl Harbor, had affected their lives. In addition to selecting Ms. Southland 2000, the judges chose four runner-up awards. Lucille Johnson, 88, was the first runner-up; Nettie Knight, 102, second runner-up; Nadine Treantafilos, 78, third runner-up, and Yvette Pizar, 82, was fourth runner-up. Other contestants included Hazel Buchanan, 87, Lucia Green, 92, Emma Harralson, 80, Hazel Sampson, 74, and Teresa Wimbish, 84. The Kiwanis Club of Peachtree City sponsored the annual beauty pageant, making a generous donation to help with expenses. Many volunteers also gave their time and efforts to make the pageant a success. Mary Kay representatives Jennifer Carroll, Jill Hughes, Cornine Brown and Beauty Shop volunteers Diane Medlan, Beth Ballard and Paula Peacock helped the ladies with their makeup and hair. Robin Ballard and Jessica Malone gave each of the entrants a manicure. Precision Trophy and Stallings Frame Shop donated the winners' trophies and Nature's Nursery and Peachtree Florist gave flowers for decorations and for each of the contestants. Publix donated a cake for the reception after the award ceremony. The well-known Ensemble Pour Deux entertained the crowd with violin and harp music. Once again the Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 42 volunteered to escort the contestants to the judging floor. Walters will be entered in the statewide Ms. Georgia Nursing Home Association Awards in May. Twenty-two will be chosen from over 250 winners throughout the state to compete in the pageant.
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