Seniors / Achievements, activities

In recognition of her longtime support for the arts, Anaheim resident Elsie Reed has been chosen as a national semifinalist in the second annual Top Senior Achiever program.

The competition, which organizers said drew thousands of nominations this year, honors seniors for their achievements later in life.

Reed, 78, is a founder, past president and current board member of the Anaheim Arts Council. She has been active with music and crafts programs for children, and with a local ballet company, an acting troupe and the city’s Art in Public Places Committee.

Nominating her for the award was Arts Council President Shirley McCracken, who describes Reed as “a real mentor and an example of dedication.”

“This is a lady who is not an artist, but she has supported and been involved in practically every phase of art in Anaheim for the past 25 years,” McCracken said.

“If she wins the award,” McCracken said, “she plans to donate the money to the Anaheim Children’s Festival. That just tells you what she’s about.”

A panel of judges will review the achievements of the semifinalists and select winners in the categories of art, business, education, sports, family and community service.

The grand prize winner will receive $10,000, and the five category winners will each be awarded $2,500.

The winners will be honored at a ceremony June 6 in Corbin, Ky., where sponsor Kentucky Fried Chicken is based.