By Vinciane Ngomsi
The 18-year-old theater student has career aspirations to become a trauma nurse.
Kaliegh Garris, an 18-year-old woman from Connecticut, was crowned Miss Teen USA on Sunday, beating runner-up Miss North Dakota Kaitlyn Vogel. What made the victory even sweeter was that the teen sported her natural kinks as she took home her crown.
Miss USA & Miss Teen USA✔@MissUSA
Per the Miss Universe Organization, Garris is a student at Joseph A. Foran High School in Milford. However, the New Haven native is also enrolled at the Educational Center for the Arts as a theater major.
Garris also leads “We Are People 1st,” an initiative she created to honor her older sister who has disabilities. The competitive dancer was also recently honored by the Department of Disabled Services for her contributions.
A current volunteer at the Yale New Haven Hospital, Garris is set to enroll in Southern Connecticut State University’s nursing program to fulfill her career aspirations of becoming a trauma nurse, The New Haven Register reports.
Following her victory, Garris thanked her support system in a statement obtained by The New Haven Register.
“During the contest you know you have self-doubt because there are so many great people,” she said. “I am just happy, proud, and grateful for the support system I have.”
Go ‘head now, Miss Teen USA Kaliegh Garris!
