Madison Marsh Makes History as First Military Miss America

A Trailblazing Beauty Soars to New Heights

In a captivating display of poise, talent, and intelligence, Madison Marsh was crowned the 2024 Miss America on Sunday night in Orlando. The 22-year-old second lieutenant in the Air Force and Harvard Kennedy School master’s student is the first active-duty military officer to earn the storied title in its nearly 100 years of existence.

Marsh, was competing as Miss Colorado after having won Miss U.S. Air Force Academy in May 2022. Marsh and her family – father Mike and sister Heidi – are also known in the Fort Smith area for Whitney’s Race. The race is held in honor of her mother, who died at 41 from pancreatic cancer – just 10 months after her diagnosis.

Marsh looked sublime as she took her celebratory walk down the runway in a dazzling sherbet orange evening gown, her smile radiant and golden brown locks bouncing with each step. She was the picture of sophistication, the embodiment of today’s modern woman – at once glamorous and gritty, powerful and kind.

The Colorado native faced stiff competition from 50 other dazzling women representing states and territories across America. For three suspenseful nights last week, the contestants brought their A-game to grueling rounds of interviews, athletic wear modeling, social impact pitches, talent showcases, and more.

After rising to the top 11 thanks to stunning preliminary performance, Marsh continued to impress across four final rounds on Sunday. She spoke with conviction on pressing issues from terrorism to poor nutrition, moved the audience with a original spoken word piece, and highlighted her trailblazing military service. Her poise and heart shone through it all.

Marsh breaks barriers not just through her barrier-breaking background, but through her forward-thinking approach to the competition. In a bold move, pageant leadership replaced the traditional Q&A portion with a “hot topics” conversation bringing together disparate, complex policy matters. Marsh held thoughtful court on “drugs in America,” paying eloquent tribute to her late mother’s cancer battle.

When asked about her goals as the newly minted Miss America, Marsh doubled down on her commitment to keep learning and leading with passion. As a member of the Air Force, student at one of the world’s most prestigious institutions, and now queen of the iconic pageant, Marsh epitomizes the notion that today’s women can not just have it all, but change the world while doing so.

The newly-crowned queen dons the banner passed down from the lovely and captivating 2023 Miss America, Grace Stanke of Wisconsin. We extend our warmest congratulations to Marsh for her hard-won victory. She joins the revered sisterhood of exceptional women who have graced the title over generations. With Marsh flying high, the future of the pageant looks brighter than ever.