This annual event finds its roots in the magical kingdom of Quivira ruled currently by Queen Allison Grace Conley. The King of Quivira is Dr. Lee G. Simmons.  Queen Allison's reign will continue until October 9, 2010 when the 114th King and Queen will be announced as part of the Coronation Ball production. Chosen for their community service and leadership, these royals are following in the footsteps of a rich tradition that began in 1895.

Also recognized during this event are outstanding leaders from around the Heartland. Princesses, Escorts, and Pages represent their families who are being honored for their contributions to the region. Press Releases listing the 2009 members of the Court can be found in the Knights Press Room.

The Court of Honor Recognition Award is also distributed at the Ball. Recipients from throughout the region are recognized for one of the following eight categories: agriculture, arts, business and industry, education, philanthropy, professions, public service, and sports.

The annual Coronation Ball raises money for the Ak-Sar-Ben Youth Scholarship Fund.  This year, Ak-Sar-Ben will partner with the Horatio Alger Scholarship Program to provide 50 scholarships to deserving students from Nebraska and Western Iowa. The Coronation Ball is broadcast by Cox Communications with the opportunity to view the Ball anytime on Cox OnDemand. 

A new endowment program has been established that will allow individuals, Foundations, and corporations to make a tax deductible contribution and sponsor a scholarship. All levels of giving are available. For more details, click here.

The event is organized by 19 volunteer women who serve three year terms as members of the Women's Ball Committee. For a listing of the committee, click here.

Current Information

King Dr. Lee G. Simmons, currently serves as the Chairman of the Omaha Zoo Foundation, he retired in March of this year from his position as Director of the Henry Doorly Zoo. He served in this role for 39 years. The Zoo, during his tenure, has consistently been recognized as one of the top 5 or 10 best Zoos in North America. Born February 20, 1938 in Tucson Arizona, Dr. Simmons moved to Choctaw, Oklahoma in 1951. His early interest in herpetology, both in Arizona and Oklahoma, led to a volunteer association with the reptile department at the Oklahoma City Zoo and ultimately to an interest in Zoo work as a career.
In 1963, Simmons graduated from the Oklahoma State School of Veterinary Medicine. He began his formal Zoo career as Curator of Mammals at the Columbus Ohio Zoo and held the positions of Veterinarian and Assistant Superintendent until December 1966 when he moved to Omaha to become Staff Veterinarian. Shortly thereafter he added the duties of Assistant Director and in 1970 he became Director. During his professional career Dr. Simmons has traveled and worked in 36 countries and Antarctica on projects ranging from field work to academics. He has authored or co-authored 35 publications and has served on 25 board and university appointments.

Queen Allison Grace Conley attends attends The University of North Carolina at Greensboro and will complete a five-year professional program in Interior Architecture with a French minor in December of 2009. Allison is an alumni member of Alpha Delta Pi Sorority and was inducted into the Alpha Lambda Delta Honors Fraternity in 2006, the Order of the Omega in 2007, the prestigious Kappa Omicron Nu Honors Society in 2007, and Golden Key International Honour Society in 2009. The Queen has been on the Chancellor’s and Deans list the past four years. She has demonstrated great leadership as a Board representative and Secretary to the UNCG International Interior Design Association (IIDA) Board. Allison Conley is the daughter of John H. Conley and Deborah Marks Conley of Omaha.