: Left to Right – Grace Marie Hargett, 1st Princess, Michelle Denise Arrington, Ms. Inspiration, Dorothy Jean Reeps, Ms. Burns Nursing Home, Elizabeth Irene Reeps, Ms. Congeniality, Hazel Pauline Pace, 2nd Princess and Julia Bertha Black, Ms. Photogenic.

Excitement filled the air on Friday, April 3 as 78 year-old Ms. Dorothy Jean Reeps was crowned as Ms. Burns Nursing & Rehab 2015.

One of six residents of the long-term health care facility vying for the coveted title, she will join other winners from nursing facilities across the state at the Hyatt Regency Birmingham-The Wynfrey Hotel in Birmingham, Ala. on July 27 to compete in the 2015 Ms. Alabama Nursing Home Pageant.

“I just can’t believe it.  I’ve never been so excited in my life,” said Ms. Reeps. “The spring season is my favorite time of the year because I love to watch all the flowers blooming.”

Also selected as members of the queen’s court was first runner-up Ms. Grace Hargett of Spruce Pine, Ala. and Ms. Hazel Pace of Haleyville, Ala., second runner-up.

Ms. Reeps and her court were crowned during the local pageant held on April 3 at Burns Nursing & Rehab. The pageant is held each year by the facility to provide recognition for nursing home residents and their contributions to their fellow man.

“We are so very proud to have a lady like Ms. Reeps represent the residents of Burns Nursing & Rehab as their ‘queen’ for the next year,” said Mark De Arman, the facility’s administrator. “We can’t think of anyone better to let others in our area know just how special our residents are than Ms. Reeps.”

A native of Boonville, MS, Ms. Reeps is the mother of two and has been a resident of Burns Nursing & Rehab since February 6, 2015. In addition to being awarded her local title, Ms. Reeps is now eligible to participate in the statewide competition for the title of Ms. Alabama Nursing Home 2015. The Ms. Alabama Nursing Home Pageant is sponsored by the Alabama Nursing Home Association.