Donna McGee was the winner of Miss Deaf Georgia of 1985-87 in Atlanta, GA. She also won the Best Talent Award for doing her dramatic interpretation of the poem called "Give me Three Grains of Corn, Mother". The first runner up was Frania Franch, second runner up was Illeen Moore and third runner up was Vonda Kay Bowman.
Donna entered the Miss Deaf America in Salt Lake City, Utah in 1986. She made it to the top ten finalists from 37 contestants and competed in the final pageant.
During her reign of Miss Deaf Georgia, her family's house burned down! The GAD donated a new tiara and collected monetary donations from members to help her family out.
Donna commented about her experience at Miss Deaf America pageant:
"While at the national pageant, I had the opportunity to attend some of the NAD meetings. During one of the business meetings, Gary Olsen led a rally urging people to pledge money to the NAD. All around me, I saw people inspired by him and his message: in order for the NAD to continue working and advocating for all of us, today and tomorrow, we must also give back. That hit home with me and still holds true. The NAD is compromised of people who are dedicated, hardworking, and driven by a strong commitment to improving the quality of living for all Deaf people. After many years, I still remember that moment vividly.I am teacher now and I strive daily to contribute to our community's future through my teachings and interactions with Deaf youth."
