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 unique distinction for many years, until Alexandra Badgett was crowned in 2019.
Early Life and Pageant Journey
Deneen Graham was born in North Wilkesboro, North Carolina. Her parents, Jean and Bobby Graham, were both teachers in the local public schools. When she was 19, Deneen entered the 1983 Miss North Carolina pageant as "Miss Elkin Valley." After she won the Miss North Carolina title, her hometown of North Wilkesboro even celebrated a special "Deneen Graham Day" to honor her achievement. Her victory was a very important moment, and it showed how much progress was being made.
Dance Career and Achievements
In 1986, Deneen graduated from the North Carolina School of the Arts with a special degree in dance. After college, she traveled around the world, performing for the Department of Defense Entertainment Tours in places like the Mediterranean, the Far East, and Alaska. She also toured the United States with a musical called Heartstrings.
Deneen performed in many famous musicals, including Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, South Pacific, Hello, Dolly!, The Music Man, and The Will Rogers Follies. From 1988 to 1994, she worked with the Miss Georgia pageant, helping to create and direct the dance routines. She was also part of the Atlanta Hawks Dance Team (Cheerleaders) in 1994, where she helped the main choreographer. In 2016, her achievements were recognized when she was added to the Wilkes County Hall of Fame.
Today, Deneen is a member of the Dance Masters of America, a group for dance professionals. Many of her students at Carol Walker Dance Academy have won top awards in dance competitions across the country. Her students even became National Dance Champions in 2008!
Pageant Titles and Appearances
- Miss North Carolina 1983
- Performer at the Miss Georgia pageant
- Participant in the Miss America 1984 pageant
