Bryant was 19 years old when she won the preliminary swimsuit competition and, the next day, was announced as the winner of the crown.[3] During her year of service, she spoke in support of "Project Concern" which provided medical support to undeveloped countries. She was the first Miss Kansas to win the Miss America crown. When she won Miss America title, her father was serving in Vietnam as a civil engineer with the Air Force.[1] The 1966 Miss America Pageant was the first pageant to be televised in color.
Education
After graduating in the top ten of her high school graduating class, Bryant went on to attend Columbia College on a full academic scholarship, during which time she represented Kansas in Atlantic City on September 11, 1965, in the Miss America scholarship pageant.
Following her year of service as Miss America, Bryant continued her education as an English major (B.A.) at the University of Kansas, graduating Cum Laude Phi Beta Kappa.[4]
Philanthropy
Bryant remains active in community service for numerous charitable projects. She was a member of the Mesa Desert Club, which provides scholarships to qualified needy high school graduates, and was also a past member of the Phoenix Junior League.
Personal life
Bryant previously married Roderick Wilson in 1967. She gave birth to a daughter in 1972.[5]
Bryant currently resides in Arizona with her husband, Brent Berge whom she married in 1975.[5] Berge has two children from a previous relationship. Together they had two more children and have four grandchildren.
Recognitions and honors
Bryant was named Kansan of the Year in 1965 by the Native Sons and Daughters of Kansas.[6]
References
^ ab"From freckles to Miss America". Miami News. Associated Press. September 13, 1965. p. 12B.
^"DEBORAH BRYANT". American Overseas Schools Historical Society. Retrieved 2020-03-20.
^Associated Press (1965-09-11). "Wins Preliminary Contest". Chicago Tribune.
^"What Does Miss America Do When She Removes Crown?". Herald-Tribune. 1968-05-13. p. 4.
