Kaliegh Garris from Connecticut has been crowned as the winner of Miss Teen USA 2019. The finale of the event was held on April 29th at Grand Sierra Resort, Reno, Nevada. Garris battled out 50 others contestants in the competition to claim the title of Miss Teen USA. She beat her runner-up, Kaitlyn Vogel who was representing North Dakota.
The event featured accomplished young women representing all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Contestants competed in Athletic Wear, Evening Gown, Final Question and Final Look.
It is worthy to note that the current Miss America, Nia Franklin, is also of black heritage. Asides from the black community being excited about the fact that another of their own has done them proud again, a factor that most people found appealing was the fact that Kaliegh decided to walk that stage rocking her natural hair! This is major, as society likes to uphold a certain standard of beauty when it comes to hair—especially in competitions like pageants.
Kaliegh Garris is a dual-enrolled student finishing her senior year at Joseph A. Foran High School and the Educational Center for the Arts where she studies theater. When she’s not in the classroom, the 18-year-old enjoys performing on stage as a competitive dancer. The New Haven native is passionate about her personal movement, “We Are People 1st,” which she started in honor of her older sister who has multiple disabilities. Through her program, Kaliegh educates others on ways to respectfully speak to individuals with health conditions and disabilities, and was recently recognized for her work by the Department of Disabled Services.
