Ayanna Dallas
Howard University’s Ayanna Dallas is one of the rising stars of her generation. As the winner of the Kennedy Foundation’s 2014 Miss Collegiate DMV Scholarship Pageant, and the recipient of over $27,000 in scholarship funds, Dallas has shown that hard work and persistence pay off.
Born and raised in Upper Marlboro, Md., Dallas credits her parents for her strong values and drive for excellence. “Both of my parents were in the military,” she said. “At times they were strict, but they were always fair and they were always involved in our school activities. They taught my brother and me to always respect ourselves and others.”
As an advocate for women’s health and child education, Dallas has dedicated much of her young life to helping others within her community. “I volunteered in the Pediatrics Department at Howard University Hospital and I would read to the young patients, answer phone calls, and file paperwork, Dallas said. “I have always wanted to help out and give back to community.”
During her freshman year at Norfolk State University, Dallas learned of an amazing opportunity to participate in a scholarship pageant. “My neighbor told me about the Miss Collegiate DMV Scholarship Pageant in Washington, D.C. through her sorority’s newsletter,” she said. “She told my mother and me about it and I decided to participate.”
But participating meant having to leave Norfolk State and enroll at Howard University. “At first I didn’t want to leave . I loved the school and loved my friends there, but I realized that it was an amazing opportunity and I had to make a decision.” To participate, Dallas withdrew from Norfolk the day before the pageant and enrolled at Howard University the day of the pageant.
The Collegiate DMV Scholarship Pageant is hosted by the Kennedy Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing academic scholarships to young adults enrolled in higher learning institutions. Each year, the foundation awards scholarships to young men and women through their duel pageant programs: ‘Miss Collegiate DMV Scholarship Pageant’ and the ‘All the King’s Men Collegiate DMV Scholarship Pageant’. Participants must showcase their academic knowledge and talents by promoting awareness to both the Kennedy Foundation’s domestic violence awareness platform and a platform of their own choosing. “I have always been interested in women’s health and I have always loved being around children, so that was the platform I chose”, Dallas said.
Having lost female family members to health issues, she felt especially close to her topic and embarked on a steadfast mission to bring hope and awareness to the cause. To promote her cause, Dallas participated in radio interviews, on campus interviews amongst her peers, and Howard University’s annual Homecoming parade. Her hard work paid off; during her first year at Howard, Dallas placed second in the pageant, winning $12,000 in scholarship funds.
“I remember being so nervous standing on stage – it was my first pageant,” she said. “I didn’t know what to expect, but in the end, I did it.”
A year later, Dallas would go on to win first place and earned a $15,000 scholarship. “It was a wonderful experience and I want to thank so many people for helping me achieve this dream: My wonderful parents; my neighbor, Ms. Johnson, for introducing me to the pageant; the president of the Kennedy Foundation, Stephanie Kennedy; the winner of the 2013 Miss Collegiate DMV Scholarship Pageant; Ms. Leona Nicholas, for all her advice and wisdom; and all of my friends and family members for their support.”
With her charismatic personality, positive spirit and motivation to succeed, Dallas has shown that hard work, perseverance and faith are the keys to reaching your dreams. Dallas is scheduled to graduate from Howard University in 2016 and plans to enroll in John Hopkins Medical School to pursue a career in Obstetrics and Genecology. “Participating in this pageant taught me a lot about having confidence in myself,” she said. “Confidence is key.”
For more information and free registration for the Miss Collegiate DMV Scholarship Pageant And the All the King’s Men Scholarship Program, please visit www.kennedyfoundation.net. The Foundation will award $84,000 in scholarships for Howard University during the fall of 2015. The deadline is Feb. 27.