Eaglecrest residents take center stage at annual pageant
Tammy Curtis, Publisher
Aug. 25 was a special day for residents of Eaglecrest Nursing and Rehabilitation in Ash Flat, as 12 women traded their everyday attire for a touch of glamour during the facility’s annual beauty pageant.
The event is designed to remind residents that beauty has no age limit and give them an opportunity to dress up, have fun and enjoy the spotlight.
The contestants selected their favorite attire and had their hair and makeup done for the occasion. Even those who use wheelchairs had the opportunity to complete their outfits with flashy high heels.
Before the pageant began, the 12 contestants waited behind a curtain for their grand entrance. They were then surprised by members of the Highland Rebel football team, who arrived to serve as their escorts.
Each player was paired with a contestant and spent time visiting with her before escorting her into the pageant. As music played, the women made their entrances before an awaiting crowd of family members, friends and Eaglecrest staff.
The field of 12 contestants was narrowed to six, then four, before the top three were announced.
Verna Mae Newman placed second. Newman is a former longtime Cherokee Village City Council member who has been active in her church and said she was married for more than 70 years.
Donna Barkman was named first runner-up, and Nancy Harper was crowned the pageant winner.
Barkman said one of her greatest accomplishments was earning a degree in public accounting from Arkansas State University in Jonesboro. Her husband joined her for the celebration as she was crowned and presented with flowers and a sash by the 2025 queen, Shirley Smith.
While three contestants received the top honors, all 12 women had their moment in the spotlight, posing for photographs and enjoying the celebration with family and friends.
The pageant is one of many activities Eaglecrest hosts throughout the year to create a welcoming, home-like environment for its residents and to give them opportunities to celebrate special moments together.
