Air Force Officer Madison Marsh Soars to New Heights as Miss America

In a groundbreaking achievement, 2nd Lieutenant Madison Marsh, a 22-year-old Air Force officer and Harvard Medical School intern has become the first active-duty member of the United States Air Force to be crowned Miss America. Marsh, originally from Fort Smith, Arkansas, clinched the coveted title in the Miss America 2024 pageant held at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts in Orlando, Florida, on January 14, 2024.

Having already secured the title of Miss Colorado 2023, Marsh faced stiff competition from 50 other contestants before emerging as the winner in the national pageant. The victory marks a historic moment not only for Marsh but also for the U.S. Armed Forces, as she becomes the first active-duty Air Force officer to wear the Miss America crown.

Marsh's remarkable journey includes her upbringing in Fort Smith, where she attended Southside High School and developed a passion for space camps and flying lessons as a child. This early interest led her to enroll in the United States Air Force Academy in El Paso County, Colorado, where she graduated with a degree in astrophysics in 2023.

Tragically, Marsh's journey has been marked by personal loss, with the passing of her mother, Whitney Marsh, to pancreatic cancer when Madison was just 17 years old. In honor of her late mother, Madison founded the Whitney Marsh Foundation in 2019, a charitable organization dedicated to raising funds for pancreatic cancer research. This personal connection has fueled Marsh's activism for pancreatic cancer awareness and prevention.

During the Miss America 2024 pageant, Marsh navigated through three nights of preliminary competitions and emerged as one of the top 11 contestants, eventually making it to the final five. Her military career, academic pursuits, and commitment to making a difference were highlighted during the question-and-answer segment, where she spoke passionately about leading and learning with dedication

As Miss America 2024, Madison Marsh has not only made history but also earned a $50,000 scholarship to further her education. Her triumph serves as an inspiration to countless young girls, encouraging them to dream big and reach for the stars. The City of Colorado Springs, represented by Mayor, congratulates Madison on her achievement, wishing her great success in her future endeavors.

Madison Marsh's win as the first active-duty Air Force officer to be crowned Miss America exemplifies the intersection of beauty, intelligence, and military service, breaking barriers and setting a new standard for aspiring leaders across the nation.