Ms. Shelby Ridge-Rehab Select Janet Ratliff landed a spot in the top five out of 67 contestants during the final round of the Ms. Alabama Nursing Home Pageant Aug. 9.

Janet Ratliff earned the fourth runner-up crown during the pageant, which was held at the Wynfrey Hotel in Hoover. Opaline Harper, Ms. Hanceville Nursing and Rehab Center, won the competition, and was crowned Ms. Alabama Nursing Home 2010.

During the pageant, Ratliff, who represented the Alabaster-based Shelby Ridge, wore a shimmering purple top with a long black dress, and was escorted by Shelby Ridge Owner Chris Schmidt.

“It feels great,” Ratliff said after the pageant. “It’s an honor even to be in the top five.”

Ratliff was crowned Ms. Shelby Ridge in May, and was selected as one of the top 10 Ms. Alabama Nursing Home contestants in July.

During the pageant, Ratliff fielded the question “If you could have anything you want, what would it be and why?”

Ratliff, a previous Ms. Wheelchair Alabama, told the judges she would like to return to her college, UAB, and help those facing disabilities.

“It would have to be going back to UAB to serve as a role model, and teach those with disabilities how to go on with their lives and overcome their disabilities,” Ratliff told the judges.

Ratliff brought with her one of the largest cheering sections at the pageant, and Shelby Ridge officials said she represented Alabaster well.

“We are very excited. She is a big part of Shelby Ridge,” Schmidt said. “She really brings happiness and encouragement to everyone there.”

Ratliff was the second Shelby Ridge resident to make it into the top five in the pageant in the past two years. Last year, former Ms. Shelby Ridge Patricia Bradberry was crowned first runner-up in the state pageant.

“It’s great to have two of our people finish in the top five for the past two years,” said Shelby Ridge Administrator Sharon Baker. “We couldn’t be more proud of her. You can tell that she has already accomplished so much in her life.”