Alana Lee
Miss Nevada 2011
Why did you decide to compete in the Miss Clark County pageant?
Frankly, I was broke! I was going to school full-time, worked a part-time job and realized I didn't have enough money saved to pay for next semester's tuition so I decided to give this pageant a try for the sake of my education.
Tell us about your platform "Patriotism: Rock the Vote".
Growing up in the household of a state-level politician I had many experiences with the political process first-hand. The importance of voting was constantly stressed to my siblings and I, and apparently I took the message to heart. I believe our nation should be governed according to the consent of the majority and that's only possible if people cast their ballot and involve themselves in the voting process. I also incorporated other interests into my year of service, focusing more on the first word of my platform's title. Not only should American citizens be voting but we should support all the armed forces, our elected officials and local communities in my opinion. My coin phrase became, "it's all about making your community better for having you in it."
What was going through your head when you were announced as the winner of Miss Nevada?
Nothing! I was dumbfounded! I couldn't believe I had heard my name called out and stumbled forward already overtaken by emotion. While I was being crowned the MC said something like, "Alana will go on to represent the Silver State at the 2012 Miss America Pageant..." and I almost LOST it at that moment. For some reason my next phase of competition hadn't quite registered with me yet and I started bawling even harder.
Why did you decide to major in Mass Communication at Dixie State University?
I am the 6th child in my family to attend Dixie so choosing this school to attend was a no-brainer for me. As for my selection of mass communication as a major, that took some time. I began college pursuing a business degree then changed my mind when I realized I wasn't happy studying the subject matter. I went to a high school career-day that the college was hosting to fulfill a requirement in one of my classes and found one of the meetings to be very enlightening. The broadcast journalism presentation blew me away and I immediately switched my major to mass communication to become a journalist. Although I am evolving in my career choice daily it seems, I have fallen in love with people and the study of communication all together.
What emotions were going through your head when it was time to crown your successor?
Oooh, too many to list off. I felt scared actually, which I understand might sound kind of weird. I was afraid of giving my job to someone else for fear they wouldn't appreciate or take care of it the way I thought
Lastly, what have you been up to since your reign as Miss Nevada ended?
I've spent a lot of time with my family and friends. During my year I truly dedicated myself to my job and missed out on a lot of hang-out sessions and family parties so it was time to reacquaint myself with my loved ones! I've also returned to school to finish my last 2 semesters of study at Dixie.
Frankly, I was broke! I was going to school full-time, worked a part-time job and realized I didn't have enough money saved to pay for next semester's tuition so I decided to give this pageant a try for the sake of my education.
Tell us about your platform "Patriotism: Rock the Vote".
Growing up in the household of a state-level politician I had many experiences with the political process first-hand. The importance of voting was constantly stressed to my siblings and I, and apparently I took the message to heart. I believe our nation should be governed according to the consent of the majority and that's only possible if people cast their ballot and involve themselves in the voting process. I also incorporated other interests into my year of service, focusing more on the first word of my platform's title. Not only should American citizens be voting but we should support all the armed forces, our elected officials and local communities in my opinion. My coin phrase became, "it's all about making your community better for having you in it."
What was going through your head when you were announced as the winner of Miss Nevada?
Nothing! I was dumbfounded! I couldn't believe I had heard my name called out and stumbled forward already overtaken by emotion. While I was being crowned the MC said something like, "Alana will go on to represent the Silver State at the 2012 Miss America Pageant..." and I almost LOST it at that moment. For some reason my next phase of competition hadn't quite registered with me yet and I started bawling even harder.
Why did you decide to major in Mass Communication at Dixie State University?
I am the 6th child in my family to attend Dixie so choosing this school to attend was a no-brainer for me. As for my selection of mass communication as a major, that took some time. I began college pursuing a business degree then changed my mind when I realized I wasn't happy studying the subject matter. I went to a high school career-day that the college was hosting to fulfill a requirement in one of my classes and found one of the meetings to be very enlightening. The broadcast journalism presentation blew me away and I immediately switched my major to mass communication to become a journalist. Although I am evolving in my career choice daily it seems, I have fallen in love with people and the study of communication all together.
What emotions were going through your head when it was time to crown your successor?
Oooh, too many to list off. I felt scared actually, which I understand might sound kind of weird. I was afraid of giving my job to someone else for fear they wouldn't appreciate or take care of it the way I thought
Lastly, what have you been up to since your reign as Miss Nevada ended?
I've spent a lot of time with my family and friends. During my year I truly dedicated myself to my job and missed out on a lot of hang-out sessions and family parties so it was time to reacquaint myself with my loved ones! I've also returned to school to finish my last 2 semesters of study at Dixie.