Madison Marsh of Colorado won the title by defeating 50 other Miss America contestants from the District of Columbia and all 50 states. The 22-year-old, who is a second lieutenant with the U.S. Air Force and is an active duty service member, became the first to win.
Before her victory, Marsh told the Harvard Crimson, that pageantry is “very similar to the military because you are serving, but in a very different way.”
Marsh said, “When I wear my uniform I serve our country and represent it.” “When I wear my crown and sash I am serving and representing my community,” said Marsh.
The USAF was quick in congratulating its own. “Marsh currently pursues her master’s in public policy through the Air Force Institute of Technology Civilian Institution Program which falls under Air University.”
Marsh is a Harry S. Truman Scholar at the Harvard Kennedy School. She attributes her success to the Air Force Academy where she received a physics degree.
Marsh told The Crimson that she didn’t believe she would have been accepted to Harvard had she not attended the Air Force Academy. “I do not think I would have ever become Miss Colorado without Air Force Academy, because they trained me and helped me to hone in on my ability to lead.”
The Air Force Academy published photos earlier this month of Marsh, who received her pilot’s license at 16 years old, beside a glider with the caption, “From flight line to spotlight.” During the talent segment of the Sunday Finals, Marsh described the excitement and anticipation of her first solo trip.
According to the Miss Colorado site, Marsh worked as a graduate student at Harvard Medical School researching ways to use artificial intelligence to detect cancer and as an intern for NASA researching gamma-ray bursts.
Marsh is a black belt in taekwondo, as well as a scholar.
Marsh posted a message on Instagram saying, “This one’s for you, momma.”
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Marsh founded the Whitney Marsh Foundation in 2018 after her mother died of pancreatic cancer. She has raised more than $250,000 as president of the Whitney Marsh Foundation for cancer research.
Marsh, who was previously named Miss Colorado 2023, said she plans to use her knowledge of cancer research to help her earn her degree in policy. “I’m trying to translate that to ensure that we are enacting policies that are equitable for all patients,” Marsh stated.
The crown includes a scholarship of $60,000 and the opportunity to tour America as Miss America’s ambassador.
Colorado Springs Mayor Yemi Mobolade said on X: “Madison the @CityofCOS wished you great success. You have inspired many young girls to reach for the stars and dream big. Congratulations!”
Madison, the @CityofCOS wishes you great success. You have inspired countless young girls to dream big and reach for the stars. Congratulations!#WeAreColoradoSprings #missamerica #missamerica2024
— Mayor Yemi (@MayorofCOS) January 15, 2024
