MISS AMERICA for 1966

The 39th annual Miss America Pageant was held at the Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, New Jersey on September 11, 1965, and was broadcast live on the CBS Network. It was the first color telecast of The Miss America Pageant. Miss Kansas, Deborah Bryant, was chosen as the new Miss America for 1966. The first runner-up was Miss Mississippi, Patricia Puckett. Deborah Irene Bryant, from Overland Park, Kansas, was 19 years old when she won the preliminary swimsuit competition and was announced as the winner of the crown the next day. 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 at the University of Kansas, graduating Cum Laude Phi Beta Kappa. During her year of service, she spoke in support of "Project Concern" which provided medical support to undeveloped countries. 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. Bryant currently resides in Arizona with husband, Brent. Together they have five children and four grandchildren.