Lorean C. Mays has again won a beauty title. In February, she was crowned “Miss Tennessee 2008-2009” for the Miss National US Scholarship pageant. She recently was crowned “Miss Tennessee Essence 2009.”
Ms. Mays, 25, is the daughter of Willie and Linda J. Mays and is a native of Chattanooga.
A 2002 Red Bank High School graduate, she currently attends Southern Adventist University in Collegedale, where she is in the accelerated nursing program. She is also pursuing a degree in broadcast journalism as of the Fall 2008 semester.
Ms. Mays is the former Miss Black Tennessee USA 2005-06, making her the first African-American woman to now hold three state titles as a native of Tennessee.
She also has several years of judging, producing, and coaching in the field of pageantry. In addition, she works as a print ad/commercial model. She also enjoys reading, playing the viola, and volunteering her time as well as serving on committees for other non-profit philanthropic organizations.
On April 21, she Lorean was honored with a “Day of Recognition” and Certificate from the governor of Tennessee, Phil Bredesen. In May 2005, the Hamilton County Board of Commissioners honored her with a resolution acknowledging her accomplishments as “Miss Black Tennessee USA 2005-2006,” and again on April 22, 2009 she was honored with the “Distinguished Citizen” award.
During her reign, she will focus on cancer awareness in the African American community. She will continue mentoring young women and men throughout the state and Chattanooga area. She is a member of the Order of Eastern Star (Prince Hall Affiliated), Daughters of Isis, National Council of Negro Women, Sigma Alpha Pi, American Medical Students Association, and the Southern Regional Director of Alpha Angels Inc.
The Miss and Mrs. Essence Pageant is designed to inspire leadership qualities, promote commitment to the community, encourage excellence in all areas of life, and reinforces high ethical standards in the modern woman. The winner of the Miss Essence title will receive a number of benefits, including a $2,000 cash prize, one-year modeling contract, a host of other prizes, and experiences of a lifetime. The pageant is set for Aug, 29 in Kansas City, Mo.
For the remainder of the summer Ms. Mays will be working with an interview coach, a personal trainer, and on her community platform.
For more information on the Miss and Mrs. Essence Pageant visit www.essencepageant.com
Or for appearance and sponsorship information for “Miss Tennessee Essence” email misstnessence@yahoo.com