Miss Essence

Alana Simmons, Miss Virginia Essence was crowned Miss Essence 2009-2010. The Miss Essence Pageant was held on August 31, 2009 at the Gem Theatre in Kansas City, Missouri.

Alana Renee Simmons was born and raised in Newport News, Virginia. A 2007 graduate of Heritage High School, Alana is now a 19 year old junior at Elizabeth City State University where she majors in Music Education with a concentration in Voice and Piano. Alana has plans to attend Graduate School to study School Counseling and Administration.

While attending Elizabeth City State University, Alana has become involved in a number of clubs and activities including the University Honors Program, Choir and Jazz Ensemble, and the Elizabeth City Collegiate Chapters of the National Association of Music Education and the National Council of Negro Women.

Since her entry into the world of pageantry, Alana has competed in pageants such as the Miss Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc, Scholarship Pageant where she received the titles of Miss Talent, Miss Scholarship, and Miss Congeniality, the Miss Portsmouth Sewall Pageant of the Miss America Organization, and the Miss Black Virginia Pageant where she won Miss Talent and placed 1st runner up. Alana is currently employed with Newport News Public Schools as a tutor for the “Gear Up” Program and as a summer intern at EduStar Academy or Performing Arts where she teaches and assists in teaching voice, drama, piano, and percussion. As a potential educator, Alana has a passion for children and sees the need of positive, influential everyday role models in their lives. In addition, she was able to capture the title of Miss Essence by extending her platform, "Everyday Heroes: The Importance of Mentorship." During her reign, Simmons plan to raise awareness and implement programs about the two-fold initiative that will highlight the benefits of having a Mentor as well as serving as a Mentor to our youth.

It is Alana’s strong belief that age has not limitation on where you can go and how big you can dream. As someone with a life is centered on family, education, and community service, Alana can truly say that by the grace of God, she is pursuing her dream of changing the world by serving others. Knowing that everything she’s gained and anything she has yet to obtain is by Gods grace and mercy, one of Alana’s favorite inspirational quotes says, “ If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, you will say to your mountain move and it will move….nothing will be impossible for you.” Matthew 17:20

Alana's Blog

August 30, 2009

After I was crowned I was speechless...

On August 29th, 2009, my life changed forever. I worked and prayed so hard for that one moment, the moment I was crowned Miss Essence 2009-2010. As soon as I heard about the pageant, I knew it was something I had to do. Every week that passed I got a little more nervous and a little more excited about meeting the entire Drakeford Productions family face to face and competing in my first national pageant. I can truly say that this weekend I formed friendships with some of the most articulate, beautiful, and talented women I will every meet.

It is such a privilege and an honor to be Miss Essence. There were so many thoughts running through my mind after I was crowned I was speechless. All the contestants put forth the effort and any one of us could have walked away that night with the crown.

This year Sue and I are planning to set the bar high for all of the future Queens. Like my big sister Mrs. Essence said all this weekend “Teamwork makes the dream work!” We are going to work, work, work to make sure that everyone can walk away with the experience of a lifetime when they come in contact with Drakeford Productions. I look forward to making history as the very first Miss Essence and I want to thank everyone who helped me get here because I could not have did not do it alone. May God bless each and every one of you!

Queenly,

Alana Renee’ Simmons

Miss Essence 2009-2010

Sept 12, 2009

I pledge to be committed and passionate...

“The road to becoming Miss Essence was long, hard, nerve wrecking, and an experience I wouldn’t trade in for the world. I love Drakeford Productions and everything they stand for. I am honored to be their Queen and during my reign I pledge to be committed and passionate about everything this opportunity has to offer me.”

Alana Simmons

Miss Essence 2009-2010

Alana's Calendar:

December 4, 2009

Kansas City, Missouri

Official Miss TEEN Essence, Miss Essence & Mrs. Essence Holiday Party

December 5, 2009

Kansas City, Missouri

Official Queens Photo Shot with Stacey Artis, Artis Photographers

Saturday, December 12, 2009

Hampton, Virginia

Hampton Holly Days Parade 2009