Famous Kansans » Miss America
Debra Barnes
- Born: September 6, 1947
- Died:
- Connection to Kansas: Born in Moran
Debra Barnes was crowned Miss Kansas in Pratt in 1967 and then competed in the Miss America Pageant and was crown Miss America 1968. A talented pianist, she gives concerts across the United States and internationally. She was named Kansas of the Year in 1967 by the Native Sons and Daughters of Kansas.
Photo courtesy of the Miss America Organization
Deborah Bryant
- Born: 1947
- Died:
- Connection to Kansas: Born in Overland Park
Achievement:
Deborah Bryant was crowned Miss Kansas in Pratt in 1965 and she went on to compete in the Miss America Pageant in Atlantic City, NJ and was crowned Miss America 1966, becoming the first winner from Kansas. The 1966 Miss America Pageant was the first pageant to be televised in color. She was named Kansan of the Year in 1965 by the Native Sons and Daughters of Kansas.
Photo courtesy of the Miss America Organization
Tara Holland
- Born: October 2, 1972
- Died:
- Connection to Kansas: Born in Overland Park
Achievement:
Tara Holland was crowned Miss Kansas in 1996 and then competed in the Miss America Pageant and was crowned Miss America 1997. A talented singer, she sang for two of President George W. Bush's inaugural events, including the Armory Ball, as well as Governor Sam Brownback's inaugural ball. She was named Kansan of the Year in 1997 by the Native Sons and Daughters of Kansas.
Photo courtesy of the Miss America Organization