Deneen Graham facts for kids
Deneen Zezell Graham Kerns is a talented dance teacher and a former beauty pageant winner from North Carolina. In 1983, she made history by becoming the first African-American to win the Miss North Carolina pageant. She held this special place for many years until another African-American woman, Alexandra Badgett, won the title in 2019.
About Deneen Graham Kerns
Deneen Graham was born in North Wilkesboro, North Carolina. Her parents, Jean and Bobby Graham, were both teachers in local schools. When she was 19, Deneen entered the 1983 Miss North Carolina pageant. She competed as Miss Elkin Valley. After she won the Miss North Carolina title, her hometown of North Wilkesboro celebrated "Deneen Graham Day" to honor her.
Deneen graduated from the North Carolina School of the Arts in 1986. She earned a special degree in dance. After college, she traveled to many places around the world. She performed for the Department of Defense Entertainment Tours in the Mediterranean, the Far East, and Alaska. She also toured the United States with a musical called Heartstrings.
Deneen performed in many famous musicals. These included Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, South Pacific, and Hello, Dolly!. She also appeared in The Music Man and The Will Rogers Follies. From 1988 to 1994, she worked with the Miss Georgia pageant. She helped create the dance routines as a co-choreographer and later as the chief choreographer.
In 1994, Deneen was a member of the Atlanta Hawks Dance Team, which are the cheerleaders for the basketball team. She also helped the team's main choreographer. In 2016, she was honored by being added to the Wilkes County Hall of Fame.
Today, Deneen is a member of the Dance Masters of America. She teaches dance at the Carol Walker Dance Academy. Many of her students have won top awards in dance competitions. Her students were even National Dance Champions in 2008.
Pageant Journey
Deneen Graham Kerns has a notable history in beauty pageants.
- She performed at the Miss Georgia pageant for several years.
- She won the title of Miss North Carolina in 1983. This was a historic win.
- She also participated in the Miss America 1984 pageant.
