El Dorado resident crowned Ms. Arkansas Senior America 2021

Janice Zarebski, of El Dorado, after being crowned Ms. Arkansas Senior America 2021 June 5 at The Legendary Vapors. - Submitted photo courtesy of Allan Cain
Janice Zarebski, of El Dorado, after being crowned Ms. Arkansas Senior America 2021 June 5 at The Legendary Vapors. - Submitted photo courtesy of Allan Cain

Janice Zarebski, of El Dorado, was crowned Ms. Arkansas Senior America 2021 at The Legendary Vapors on Saturday, June 5.

Zarebski competed in the 33rd Arkansas Senior America Pageant with seven other contestants from around the state in the categories of interview, talent, evening gown and philosophy of life.

First runner-up was Alice Canham, of Hot Springs Village, and second runner-up was Margaret Pace, of Little Rock, who also won the People's Choice Award.

For her talent, Zarebski gave an "inspiring performance" of Maya Angelou's poem, "Phenomenal Woman," a news release said. She will now compete virtually for the title of Ms. Senior America in August. The national pageant is held annually in Atlantic City, N.J., but due to the pandemic, this year's competition is virtual.

"Contestants shared in the two-day event that showcased the wisdom, talent and contributions of Arkansas's women over the age of 60 in their 'Age of Elegance,'" the release said.

"A team of volunteers worked tirelessly to provide staging, meals, gifts, trophies, flowers, photos and tiaras for the contestants." Distinguished Judges for the event were radio host and gospel recording artist David Ashley, of Little Rock, Gale Davis, of Little Rock, who is co-chair of the Lupus Foundation of Arkansas Statewide Talent Show, James Kendall, former president of the Pocket Community Theatre in Hot Springs, Tami Kendall, president of the Pocket Community Theatre, and Renee Tompkins, owner of Bear Necessities and Renee's Clothing in Hot Springs.

Sharon Morgan Tahaney, Ms. Arkansas Senior America 2019-2020, crowned her successor as well as served as mistress of ceremony for the afternoon alongside Dixie Makepeace Ford, Ms. Arkansas Senior America 2018.

Tahaney sang "Be a Light" during her farewell and encouraged attendees to learn more about this opportunity for senior women. City Director Marcia Dobbs-Smith presented Tahaney with a city of Hot Springs proclamation and a Congressional Record acknowledgment by U.S. Rep. Bruce Westerman, R-District 4.

Preparations have already begun for next year's pageant, which again will be held at the Vapors on June 4, 2022. For requirements and information on becoming a contestant or volunteer, email Pattie Genovese, pageant administrator, at [email protected].

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