A 22-year-old pilot was crowned Miss America on Sunday night, becoming the first active-duty U.S. Air Force officer to win the title.
Madison Marsh, a second lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force and a graduate student intern at Harvard Medical School, beat out 50 contestants to win the top spot. 2024 Miss America Contest WPTV reported from Orlando, Florida.
Marsh also graduated from the Air Force Academy in 2023, days after winning the title of Miss Colorado.
Her branch celebrated her X.
“Congratulations to our #Airman, 2nd Lt. Madison Marsh, aka Miss Colorado, for being crowned @MissAmerica 2024! Marsh is the first active duty military member to win the title. #AimHigh,” USAF posted.
congratulations #pilotEnsign Madison Marsh, aka Miss Colorado – Just Crowned @MissAmerica 2024! Marsh is the first active duty military member to win the title.#Aiming for heights pic.twitter.com/3RuDu5CulW
— United States Air Force (@usairforce) January 15, 2024
Colorado Springs Mayor Yemi Mobolade also recognized Marsh's work.
“She did it!” he wrote alongside a photo of himself and Marsh wearing Miss Colorado sashes.
she did it! Miss Colorado, Colorado Springs native Madison Marsh, is officially crowned her 2024 Miss America. 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸 (2/2) pic.twitter.com/Io8zYl17Gp
— Mayor of Yemi (@MayorofCOS) January 15, 2024
“Madison, [City of Colorado Springs] “I wish you all the best,” he wrote in a follow-up post about X, adding, “You have inspired countless girls to dream big and reach for the stars.”
madison @COS_COS I wish you success. You have inspired countless young girls to dream big and reach for the stars. Congratulations!#WeAreColoradoSprings #MisaAmerica #MisaAmerica2024
— Mayor of Yemi (@MayorofCOS) January 15, 2024
Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (R-Florida), a U.S. Air Force veteran, also recognized Marsh.
“Not only is she a beauty queen, she is an Air Force pilot!” the congressman wrote.
Congratulations to 2nd Lt. Madison Marsh, who is the first active-duty woman to win the title of Miss America! Not only is she a beauty queen, she is also an Air Force pilot. ✨ pic.twitter.com/nIh3wY6I6U
— Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (@RepLuna) January 15, 2024
