Kaliegh Garris facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Kaliegh Garris
|
|
|---|---|
Kaliegh Garris in 2019
|
|
| Born | August 21, 2000 New Haven, Connecticut, U.S.
|
| Education | Southern Connecticut State University |
| Height | 5 ft 10 in (1.78 m) |
| Title |
|
| Beauty pageant titleholder | |
| Hair color | Brown |
| Eye color | Brown |
| Major competition(s) |
|
Kaliegh Garris, born on August 21, 2000, is an American TV host, model, and beauty queen. She is best known for winning the title of Miss Teen USA 2019. Before that, she was crowned Miss Connecticut Teen USA 2019.
Kaliegh is the second person from Connecticut to win Miss Teen USA. The first was Logan West, who won in 2012. In 2019, Kaliegh's win was special because it was the first year that all five major beauty pageants were won by Black women. These winners included Toni-Ann Singh (Miss World), Zozibini Tunzi (Miss Universe), Nia Franklin (Miss America), and Cheslie Kryst (Miss USA).
About Kaliegh Garris
Early Life and Education
Kaliegh Garris was born in New Haven, Connecticut. Her father is African American, and her mother is white. Before becoming Miss Teen USA, Kaliegh was a student at Joseph A. Foran High School in Milford, Connecticut. She also studied theatre at the ACES Educational Center for the Arts in New Haven.
Kaliegh has been a competitive dancer for many years. She trained in different dance styles like contemporary, jazz, pointe, hip hop, and tap. She also started an organization called "We Are People 1st." This group helps people with disabilities. Kaliegh started it because her older sister has multiple disabilities. The Connecticut Department of Developmental Services has recognized Kaliegh for her important work.
After high school, Kaliegh studied communications at Southern Connecticut State University. She also volunteered at Yale New Haven Hospital. In 2022, Kaliegh moved to Arkansas State University. She finished her college studies through their online honors program. In 2024, Kaliegh graduated with high honors, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication Studies.
Journey to Miss Teen USA
Kaliegh started her journey in beauty pageants as a teenager. She competed in the National American Miss events. She also took part in the Miss Connecticut's Outstanding Teen competition. In 2019, she joined the Miss Universe Organization. She competed in Miss Connecticut Teen USA 2019 and won the title on her first try.
As Miss Connecticut Teen USA, Kaliegh earned the chance to compete for Miss Teen USA 2019. The competition took place in Reno, Nevada. She competed in the finals on April 28, 2019, at the Grand Sierra Resort. Kaliegh was crowned the winner by the previous titleholder, Hailey Colborn. She won over Caitlyn Vogel from North Dakota, who was the first runner-up.
After her win, Kaliegh received national attention. This was because she wore her natural afro-textured hair during the competition. Her reign as Miss Teen USA was supposed to end in spring 2020. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, she became the longest-reigning Miss Teen USA. She held the title for more days than any previous winner. Kaliegh ended her reign on November 7, 2020. She crowned [[Kiʻilani Arruda]] as Miss Teen USA 2020 at Graceland in Memphis, Tennessee.
