Madison Marsh, a 22-year-old U.S. Air Force officer and master’s student at Harvard Kennedy School’s public policy program, has been crowned Miss America 2024. The event, held in Orlando, saw Marsh, who represented Colorado, emerge victorious among 51 contestants. Her achievement is particularly notable as she is the first active-duty Air Force officer to win the title, succeeding Grace Stanke of Wisconsin, the 2023 Miss America.
By Aubree Ross
A Trailblazing Winner
Marsh’s win is groundbreaking in the history of the Miss America pageant. As an active-duty Air Force officer, she brings a unique perspective and background to the role. Her victory was celebrated by the U.S. Air Force with a post on social media, highlighting her as “our very own.” Marsh’s achievement reflects the evolving nature of the pageant, recognizing women from diverse professional backgrounds.
The Pageant Journey
The competition involved 51 contestants representing U.S. states and the District of Columbia. After preliminary rounds and public voting, 11 semi-finalists were chosen. They participated in four rounds of competition, including a fitness runway walk, a “hot topics” discussion, a talent show, and an evening gown presentation. Marsh stood out with her spoken word performance about receiving a pilot’s license at 16 and her discussion on drugs in America, inspired by her mother’s battle with pancreatic cancer.
Marsh’s Vision and Motivation
Ahead of the pageant, Marsh spoke about her motivation to participate, emphasizing her desire to make a difference and inspire others. She views the military as a platform for leadership and believes that pageants, particularly winning Miss Colorado, allowed her to exemplify this leadership and encourage others to find their passions.
Setting a New Precedent
Madison Marsh’s win as Miss America 2024 sets a new precedent for the pageant, highlighting the importance of diverse experiences and backgrounds. Her role as an active-duty Air Force officer and her academic pursuits at Harvard Kennedy School demonstrate that Miss America can embody various facets of empowerment and achievement.
Madison Marsh’s crowning as Miss America 2024 marks a significant moment in the pageant’s history, showcasing the evolving definition of what it means to be a role model for women. Her unique background as a U.S. Air Force officer and her commitment to public service and leadership make her a fitting and inspirational Miss America, poised to influence and inspire a new generation.