Miss America 2024: Madison Marsh Becomes First Active Service Member to Win the Crown

In a historic moment on Sunday night, 22-year-old Madison Marsh, an officer in the US Air Force, was crowned Miss America 2024 in Orlando, Florida, according to The Denver Post.

Marsh's victory marks a significant milestone as the first active-duty service member to ever hold the prestigious title.

"I'm very excited to get to represent women who can break stereotypes," Marsh said in an interview on the pageant's Instagram page, expressing her excitement.

The competition featured 51 women from across the United States and the District of Columbia, showcasing their skills in a fitness runway walk, a "hot topics" discussion, a talent show, and an evening gown presentation, according to People magazine.

Madison Marsh's Achievements

Madison Marsh, currently pursuing a master's in public policy at the Harvard Kennedy School through her National Truman Scholarship, had previously won the title of Miss Colorado in 2023, Boston.com noted.

A graduate of the US Air Force Academy with a major in physics, she currently serves as a 2nd Lieutenant in the Air Force and is interning with Harvard Medical School.

Drawing parallels between her military service and participation in pageantry, Marsh commented, "When I put on my uniform, I serve and represent our country. When I put on the crown and sash, I'm serving and representing my community."

Beyond her military commitments, Marsh is the founder of the Whitney Marsh Foundation, dedicated to honoring her mother, who passed away from pancreatic cancer in 2018.

She is also a graduate intern at Harvard Medical School, where she aspires to leverage artificial intelligence for the early detection of pancreatic cancer.

Madison Marsh's Advocacy and Inspiration

Madison Marsh's journey toward Miss America 2024 began with her being crowned Miss Academy.

Prior to the Miss Colorado competition, she used her public platform to raise awareness of pancreatic cancer, testifying before Congress and founding the Whitney Marsh Foundation.

Marsh expressed her dedication to cancer research in an email to 11 News.

"I have since dedicated myself to the cause, including being accepted to the Harvard Kennedy School to obtain my Master's in Public Policy to create a future in which no one has to suffer the way my family did following my mom's passing," she wrote.

She also aimed to inspire other girls and challenge stereotypes surrounding women in the military and the pageant world.

"I especially love showing that women within our nation's military are multi-faceted and capable of serving both the community and our country at the same time," Marsh said.

Following her win, Colorado Springs Mayor Yemi Mobolade congratulated Marsh in a social media post.

Marsh succeeds Grace Stanke of Wisconsin, the 2023 Miss America, who crowned her on Sunday.

The 51 contestants competed in four rounds, and Miss Colorado, Madison Marsh's victory brings attention to her achievements, including being a National Truman Scholar, two-time National Astronaut scholar, and a graduate of the Kennedy School at Harvard.

In a prior appearance on "Fox & Friends Weekend," Marsh shared her excitement, stating, "I'm a pilot select right now, just graduated from the US Air Force Academy, and everyone has been so, so excited to have me here."

Co-host Pete Hegseth commended Marsh on her extensive list of accomplishments, highlighting her achievements in academics, aviation, and martial arts.

Marsh's historic win as Miss America 2024 underscores her dedication to breaking stereotypes and serving as an inspiration for women nationwide.

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Bert Hoover

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