Alana Scheuerer of Coral Springs with a proclamation from Broward County. {courtesy}
By Ryan Yousefi
Coral Springs native, Alana Scheuerer, is poised to captivate audiences and grace the stage at the prestigious Miss Florida pageant in Lakeland on June 20.
After being crowned Miss Broward County in February, Scheuerer’s journey to the bright lights of Florida’s beauty pageant stages has been profoundly shaped by her Coral Springs upbringing.
Born and raised in Coral Springs, Scheuerer tells Coral Springs Talk she attended Maplewood Elementary, Sawgrass Springs Middle, and Coral Glades High and that her experiences at those schools and growing up in Coral Springs have made becoming Miss Broward County that much more special.
“Coral Springs has shaped who I am by being a warm and welcoming place to live and grow up,” said Scheuerer.
“I appreciate the diversity in our community and how it’s shaped me to be empathetic, service-led, and accepting to others around me.”
According to Schuerer — who still lives in Coral Springs — participating in the Miss America Organization has had a profound impact on her personal and professional life, and her path along the way has been made easier by the support of others and the significant scholarships she has received.
“I grew up [in Coral Springs] with a single mom who worked three jobs so that I could dance,” Scheuerer said, adding, “Scholarships allowed me to pursue my master’s degree and think about other ways to better my education without the burden of student loans.” She said she started for scholarships but stayed for service.
The 2023 Miss Florida pageant will be the Scheuerer’s second appearance in the competition. Last year, she was crowned Miss South Florida Fair, making her eligible to compete in the 2022 Miss Florida competition, where she eventually placed runner-up.
While she didn’t take home the crown of Miss Florida 2022, the experience of getting so close only motivated her to get back to the stage this season.
“It was a tough position to be in but pushed me that much more to work hard and stay motivated,” Scheuerer said.
Outside the pageant circuit, Scheuerer enjoys working at the Museum of Discovery and Science special events and serves on Coral Springs Public Art Committee. Still, her biggest passion is giving back to the community.
She recently received a Broward County Proclamation for her work on the TAP: Turn up Artistic Participation initiative, where she serves as an educational voice for art resources.
Explaining its impact on the community and what she enjoys most about the program, Scheuerer shares how TAP encompasses everything she strives to be as she works toward becoming CEO of a children’s museum or further diving into arts administration.
Since 2018, it’s been her mission to educate, advocate, and help others participate in the arts.
“Through my initiative of TAP, I teach ‘Move and Groove’ classes to school groups, have advocated for the arts in Tallahassee and D.C., and partner with several state and national art organizations,” she said. “Coral Springs and Parkland know firsthand how the arts heal through tragic times, and it is just one of the benefits of the arts I feel everyone should have access to.”
Alana Scheuerer dancing on stage. {courtesy}
As Miss Florida nears, Scheuerer said she’s most excited about the talent portion of the competition that will allow her to show off the art of dance.
“As a dancer for over 20 years, talent has always been my favorite and what I feel most competitive towards.”
While dance is her favorite part of beauty pageants, Schuerer says that preparation for the aspects of the competition that were initially outside her comfort zone has made her a better well-rounded competitor and, more importantly, person.
“The interview and on-stage question aspects have tremendously helped my professional development and public communication skills,” Scheuerer said. “From current events to politics, I stay updated and well-versed to answer any question thrown my way during an interview.”
With two degrees from Florida State University — a bachelor’s of science in hospitality management and tourism and a master’s in American Dance Studies, Scheuerer believes her education has contributed to her success in the pageant world and through current role at the Museum of Discovery and Science.
Alana Scheuerer of Coral Springs. {courtesy}
“This uncommon combination has given me a unique lens to stand out from other delegates when competing and pursuing the arts administration field. They’re both areas I’m passionate about and utilize in my everyday life.”
Looking beyond the June 20 Miss Florida competition, Scheuerer says that while her goal is to win the title of Miss Florida, at the core is just enjoying herself.
“My current goal is to become Miss Florida and dance on the Miss America stage.”
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