Debbie Cervini, 18-year-old freshman from Arkansas High, was chosen Miss Texarkana College at the Miss Texarkana College 1970 pageant last week in the Texarkana College Auditorium. Last year’s queen, Frankie Sellers, crowned Miss Cervini, who will be the college’s official hostess for the Miss Texarkana Beauty Pageant this spring.
Sharon Camp was first runner-up and Janie Harris was second runner-up.
Student Senate President Forrest Mitchell added a warm welcome to the pageant audience.
Debbie Cervini judged viewers’ title and Frankie Sellers, last year’s queen, Stewart Sang “More,” and Mrs. J. D. Waddle served as the judge panel followed. Voting for the “Viewers’ Choice” was Lindley, the reigning Southern Belle from Arkansas High, and the mistress of books, Mrs. Billy Ray McKinnon, crowned the winner of last year’s Miss TC Beauty Pageant, Paula Jeanes. Miss Pageant 1969 and director of last year’s pageant, Marilyn Brewer, directed this year’s Pine Street and Westlawn Elementary School’s first former radio and television announcer.
Lestel Adams opened the program with a vocal solo. The format then presented Shirley Ann Smith, who was in charge of the event. Shirley, a former TC beauty queen, was the holder of many beauty titles and was also the reigning Miss TC Beauty of 1968 and the holder of the swimsuit competition award. The winner of the Miss Arkansas Pageant, Janie Harrington, was Miss TC Beauty, was introduced by Shirley.
Eleven beauty contestants were then introduced in evening gown competition. As the judges viewed the girls and marked their ballots, William Stewart sang “More.”
Acknowledgement of the six judge panel followed. Voting on the beauties were Diane Lindsey, the reigning Southern State College homecoming queen from Hooks; Mrs. Billy Wood, mistress of ceremonies of last year’s Miss TC Beauty Pageant; Paula Jones, Miss Texarkana of 1968 and director of last year’s pageant; Marvin Brewster, choral director for Pine Street and Westlawn Junior High Schools; Les Eugene, former radio and television announcer; and Ray Edwards, director of the Miss Texarkana Pageant for many years.
Other special guests were acknowledged, and a special thanks was extended to pageant directors Cyndi Pound and Peggy Stewart, talent routine accompanists, backstage helpers and local merchants donating pageant prizes.
Preceding the talent competition, Marsha Barnes, Miss Texarkana of 1969 and Miss TC Beauty of 1969, danced to “He’s In Love.” Then each contestant introduced co-eds who performed their talent routines.
Following intermission, the pageant proceeded with Rebecca Biddy, Miss Avinger singing “Close to You.” The contestants then entered in swimsuits. As they walked across stage Shirley revealed their hobbies and reminded the audience of each girl’s talent presentation. Once again as the judges made their decisions Lestel pleased the audience with a song “By The Time I Get to Phoenix.”
The reigning Miss Texarkana Peggy Stewart followed singing a medley of “Raindrops Keep Falling on My Head” and “I Can’t Stop Loving You.” Peggy was winner of many awards in last year’s Pageant—2nd runner up talent award winner and Miss Congeniality.
Peggy’s rendition preceded announcement of five finalists who were judged on poise personality as they answered questions directed to them by Shirley.
Connie, last year’s Miss TC Beauty, made her farewell walk as she prepared to give up the crown to her successor. Then judges tallied their decisions. Shirley announced new holders of the Congeniality title, talent award winner, 2nd and 1st runners-up, and finally, Beauty for 1970-71.
Singing a medley of “Dear Heart” and “Happy Heart,” Sharon Camp, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Perry Camp, won the honors of Miss Congeniality, talent award winner, and first runner up.
(Photo by Steve Long)
Second runner up Linda Harris, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Elmer L. Harris, presented her version of Paul Anka’s “My Way” for her talent routine.
(Photo by Steve Long)
One of the five finalists, Arkansas High graduate Jeanne Powers, sang a medley of “Where Is Love” and “Unchained Melody.” Rev. and Mrs. James B. Powers are Jeanne’s parents.
(Photo by Steve Long)
Sherry Dorsey, one of the five finalists, gave a dramatic reading from the musical “The King and I” in the talent competition. Her parents are Mr. and Mrs. Lester L. Walston.
(Photo by Steve Long)
Texas High graduate Beth Brine, who sang and accompanied herself to a medley of “Bill Bailey,” is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Anthony Brine.
Kathy Austin, daughter of Joseph K. Austin of Hooks, danced to the ever popular movie theme “For a Few Dollars More” for her talent presentation.
Daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Nathan Haywood, Darlene Haywood sang “What Are You Gonna Do?” as her talent presentation.
Jacklin Coulter, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. L.C. Coulter of Nashville, Ark., danced to the hit tune “Still Water Runs Deep.”
Dancing to the song of 1970, “Raindrops Keep Falling on My Head,” Suzie Shields is the daughter of Mrs. Loquita Shields.
Cindy Wreyford sang and did a monologue to “This Is My Country” and “Born Free.” She is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. James T. Wreyford.