In a Historic First, Madison Marsh, a 22-year-old Air Force officer and Harvard public policy graduate student, has been crowned Miss America 2024. Representing Colorado, Marsh triumphed over 51 contestants, including runner-up Ellie Bro from Texas.
Madison Marsh, a U.S. Air Force officer, wins the title of Miss America 2024 | Source: X/@usairforce
The U.S. Air Force celebrated this achievement on their X platform account, proudly acknowledging Marsh as the first active-duty Air Force officer to win this prestigious national title. This achievement marks a significant milestone in the history of the competition, showcasing the diverse talents and commitments of young American women.
Congratulations to our very own #Airman, 2nd Lt. Madison Marsh, aka Miss Colorado — who was just crowned @MissAmerica 2024! Marsh is the first active duty servicemember to ever win the title.#AimHigh pic.twitter.com/3RuDu5CulW
— U.S. Air Force (@usairforce) January 15, 2024
The competition, featuring representatives from all 50 states plus Washington D.C., narrowed down to 11 semifinalists. These contestants participated in various segments, including fitness displays, evening gown presentations, talent performances, and topical discussions.
Marsh’s journey to the crown included speaking passionately about America’s drug crisis and her late mother’s battle with pancreatic cancer during the discussion round. In the talent segment, she highlighted her achievement of earning a pilot’s license at 16, demonstrating her commitment to learning and leadership.
Her victory is not just a personal triumph but a symbol of the evolving face of beauty pageants, where intelligence, dedication, and service to the nation stand alongside traditional measures of grace and poise.
