Miss Alabama Courtney Porter crowned Felma Schrimshire, 100 years old, as the winner in this year's Ms. Alabama Nursing Home pageant at the Wynfrey Hotel in Hoover, Alabama, on July 25.

Judges chose Schrimshire over 74 other contestants-each representing a different nursing home-for her poise, outlook on life and involvement in her nursing home, said Alabama Nursing Home Association spokesman John Matson.

Schrimshire, who was born and raised in Covington County, has traveled abroad, and visited every U.S. state, eventually retiring in Andalusia. She spent a year in the Army and retired in 1976 from a civil service job. Wellversed in Bible study, Schrimshire taught Sunday school for 78 years.

Contestants had 15-minute interviews with a panel of judges and then answered a question on stage. The event was co-hosted by Courtney Porter, who is Miss Alabama 2011.

There were 75 contestants vying for the pageant. The finalists were named in April.

The judges included the commissioner of the state's Medicaid agency and Ms. Senior Alabama Frankie Cashion.

Source: Opelika-Auburn News, http:// www.oanow.com /

This wonderful pageant just goes to show you that beauty is much more than just skin deep. What an excellent way to exhibit devotion to a rich, full life and dedication to the social welfare around you!

Ms. Alabama Nursing Home pageant winner Felma Schrimshire, 100 (center), with Miss Alabama Courtney Porter and Alabama Nursing Home Association spokesman John Matson.

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