Madison Marsh

File:USAFA Graduate 2nd Lt. Madison Marsh.jpg

Marsh was born in Fort Smith, Arkansas to Mike and Whitney Marsh, and has four siblings.{{cite web|url=https://people.com/miss-america-2024-madison-marsh-talks-historic-win-exclusive-8426935|title=Miss America Has Never Been an Active-Duty Air Force Officer — Until Now: 'I Wasn't Expecting to Win' (Exclusive)|last=Young|first=Susan|date=January 16, 2024|work=People}}{{cite web|url=https://gazette.com/military/air-force-academy-cadet-a-miss-colorado-contestant-channels-heartache-into-advocacy/article_5fcc5d24-fa4a-11ed-a79f-1f575140cd74.html|title=Air Force Academy cadet — a Miss Colorado contestant — channels heartache into advocacy|date=May 25, 2023|work=The Gazette|last=Isaac|first=O'Dell}}{{cite web|url=https://www.businessinsider.com/miss-colorado-madison-marsh-crowned-miss-america-air-force-harvard-2024-1|title=An Air Force pilot has been crowned Miss America 2024|last=Goh|first=Amanda|date=January 15, 2024|work=Business Insider}} Her father is a physician and her mother was a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA). Her mother died of pancreatic cancer when Marsh was seventeen years old, leading Marsh to become an activist for pancreatic cancer awareness and prevention. She founded the Whitney Marsh Foundation in her mother's honor in 2019, which raises funds for cancer research.{{cite web|url=https://parade.com/tv/miss-america-2024-photos-contestants|title=Meet the New Miss America 2024 and the 50 Lovely Ladies Who Make Up Her Court|date=January 14, 2024|work=Parade|last=Cohn|first=Paulette}}

Marsh graduated from Southside High School in Fort Smith, Arkansas in 2019.{{cite web|url=https://talkbusiness.net/2023/03/air-force-academy-harvard-part-of-marshs-pancreatic-cancer-research-passion/|title=Air Force Academy, Harvard part of Marsh's pancreatic cancer research passion|website=talkbusiness.net|date=March 29, 2023|last=Tilley|first=Michael}} While growing up, she enjoyed space camps and flying lessons, receiving her pilot's license at age 17.{{Cite web |date=2024-02-28 |title=2024 Miss America winner is awarded the Spirit of the Springs Award |url=https://www.koaa.com/news/covering-colorado/2024-miss-america-winner-is-awarded-the-spirit-of-the-springs-award |access-date=2024-03-02 |website=KOAA News 5 |language=en}} After graduating high school, she attended the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado, and graduated with a degree in astrophysics in 2023. Upon graduation, Marsh was commissioned a second lieutenant in the United States Air Force. Marsh subsequently studied public policy for one semester at the Harvard Kennedy School through the Air Force Civilian Institution program.{{cite web | last=Altman-Devilbiss | first=Alexx | title=Active-duty Air Force officer crowned 2024 Miss America | website=KOMO | date=January 15, 2024 | url=https://komonews.com/news/entertainment/active-duty-us-air-force-officer-madison-marsh-wins-2024-miss-america-masters-harvard-physics-degree-united-states-air-force-academy# | access-date=January 15, 2024}} She afterwards interned with Harvard's medical department.

In 2023, Marsh was crowned Miss Academy 2023, a pageant for women attending the United States Air Force Academy. As Miss Academy 2023, she was eligible for the Miss Colorado 2023 pageant, which she went on to win in May 2023.{{cite web|url=https://www.koaa.com/news/covering-colorado/air-force-academy-senior-crowned-miss-colorado-will-also-graduate-on-thursday|title=Air Force Academy senior crowned Miss Colorado, will also graduate on Thursday|date=May 30, 2023|work=KOAA-TV}}{{cite web|url=https://www.9news.com/article/news/local/colorado-news/2023-miss-colorado-pageant-winner/73-3a656fb1-9393-45aa-a1b8-676b6cb01c2f|title=Meet Miss Colorado 2023|date=May 30, 2023|work=9News}}{{cite web|url=https://gazette.com/military/usafa/air-force-academy-senior-wins-miss-colorado-competition/article_4ae613c4-fdb4-11ed-851f-73e947e419b6.html|title=Air Force Academy senior wins Miss Colorado competition|date=May 30, 2023|work=The Gazette|last=Isaac|first=O'Dell}} This was her third attempt at competing for the Miss Colorado title. As Miss Colorado 2023, Marsh became the first Miss America contestant to be an active-duty military officer.

As Miss Colorado 2023, Marsh was selected to represent Colorado at the Miss America 2024 pageant. Miss America 2024 was held at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts in Orlando, Florida on January 14, 2024.{{Cite web |title=Bringing Back the Magic at The Walt Disney Theater in Orlando, Florida! |url=https://www.missamerica.org/waltdisneytheatre/ |access-date=2023-10-18 |language=en-US}}{{cite news|url=https://torontosun.com/news/world/hot-gun-air-force-pilot-has-sights-set-on-claiming-miss-america-crown|title=HOT GUN: Air force pilot has Miss America crown on her radar|date=January 11, 2024|newspaper=Toronto Sun}} In the pageant, Marsh advanced into the Top 11 and later the Top 5, ultimately being crowned the winner, besting first runner-up Ellie Breaux of Texas.{{cite web|url=https://krdo.com/news/2024/01/14/miss-colorado-wins-2024-miss-america-competition/|title=Miss Colorado wins 2024 Miss America competition|date=January 14, 2024|last=Rice|first=Sean|work=KRDO-TV}}{{cite web|url=https://people.com/u-s-air-force-officer-madison-marsh-crowned-as-2024-miss-america-8426248|title=U.S. Air Force Officer Madison Marsh Crowned as 2024 Miss America: 'The Sky Is Not the Limit'|last=Rockson|first=Gabrielle|date=January 15, 2024|work=People}}{{cite web|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/tv/2024/01/15/miss-america-active-duty-air-force-officer/72230028007/|title=Miss America 2024 is active-duty Air Force officer, Harvard student: Meet Madison Marsh|date=January 15, 2024|last=Stahl|first=Jay|work=USA Today}} As Miss America 2024, Marsh became the fourth woman representing Colorado to win the pageant, and the first member of the United States Armed Forces to be crowned the winner.{{cite web|url=https://www.cnn.com/2024/01/15/style/miss-america-2024-madison-marsh-colorado/index.html|title=US Air Force officer crowned as 2024 Miss America|last=Rees|first=Mike|date=January 14, 2023|work=CNN}}{{cite web|url=https://www.marca.com/en/lifestyle/celebrities/2024/01/15/65a4a1d0e2704e37118b4587.html|title=Miss America 2024 Winner: Who is Madison Marsh, the new American beauty queen from Colorado?|date=January 14, 2024|work=Marca}}{{cite web|url=https://thehill.com/homenews/4409273-air-force-officer-becomes-first-active-duty-servicemember-crowned-as-miss-america/|title=Air Force officer becomes first active-duty servicemember crowned as Miss America|last=Ferguson|first=Sarah|date=January 15, 2024|work=The Hill}} As part of her prize package, Marsh received a $50,000 scholarship to further her education.{{cite web|url=https://www.al.com/life/2024/01/miss-america-2024-miss-colorado-wins-the-crown.html|title=Miss America 2024: Miss Colorado wins the crown|date=January 14, 2024|last=Colurso|first=Mary|work=al.com}} Marsh has received over $70,000 total in scholarships from competing within the Miss America organization.{{Cite web |title=From Pilot to Pageantry: Meet the 1st Active-Duty Miss America |url=https://www.defense.gov/News/Feature-Stories/Story/Article/3678774/from-pilot-to-pageantry-meet-the-1st-active-duty-miss-america/https://www.defense.gov/News/Feature-Stories/Story/Article/3678774/from-pilot-to-pageantry-meet-the-1st-active-duty-miss-america/ |access-date=2024-03-02 |website=U.S. Department of Defense |language=en-US}}{{dead link|date=April 2025|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}} During her reign as Miss America, Marsh is serving in an Air Force public affairs and recruiting position.{{Cite web |title=Miss America 2024 U.S. Air Force 2nd Lt. Madison Marsh Visits ANC |url=https://www.dvidshub.net/image/8271546/miss-america-2024-us-air-force-2nd-lt-madison-marsh-visits-anc |access-date=2024-05-14 |website=DVIDS |publisher=US Department of Defense |language=en}}{{source-attribution}}{{Cite web |title=From Pilot to Pageantry: Meet the 1st Active-Duty Miss America |url=https://www.defense.gov/News/Feature-Stories/Story/Article/3678774/from-pilot-to-pageantry-meet-the-1st-active-duty-miss-america/https://www.defense.gov/News/Feature-Stories/Story/Article/3678774/from-pilot-to-pageantry-meet-the-1st-active-duty-miss-america/ |access-date=2024-07-02 |website=U.S. Department of Defense |language=en-US}}{{dead link|date=April 2025|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}

Marsh was the honorary pace car driver at the 2024 Daytona 500 NASCAR race.{{Cite web |title=Daytona 500 adds Miss America Madison Marsh as honorary pace-car driver |url=https://www.news-journalonline.com/story/sports/nascar/2024/02/09/daytona-500-pace-car-will-be-driven-by-miss-america-madison-marsh/72541298007/ |access-date=2024-03-02 |website=Daytona Beach News-Journal Online |language=en-US}} In February 2024, Marsh received the 'Spirit of the Springs' Award from the city of Colorado Springs.{{Cite web |date=2024-02-28 |title=2024 Miss America winner is awarded the Spirit of the Springs Award |url=https://www.koaa.com/news/covering-colorado/2024-miss-america-winner-is-awarded-the-spirit-of-the-springs-award |access-date=2024-03-02 |website=KOAA News 5 |language=en}} She visited students at schools in Colorado Springs, Colorado,{{Citation |title=Miss America Madison Marsh visits Colorado Springs school |date=2024-01-25 |url=https://www.kktv.com/video/2024/01/25/miss-america-madison-marsh-visits-colorado-springs-school/ |access-date=2024-03-02 |language=en}} and Daytona Beach, Florida.{{Cite web |title=Miss America, an Air Force lieutenant, shares inspiring story with Hinson Middle students |url=https://www.news-journalonline.com/story/news/education/2024/02/21/miss-america-2024-madison-marsh-inspires-students-at-florida-school/72571712007/ |access-date=2024-03-02 |website=Daytona Beach News-Journal Online |language=en-US}} Marsh also visited Fort Knox,{{Cite web |last=BAIRD |first=SAVANNAH |date=2024-05-09 |title=Miss America personalities visit Fort Knox |url=https://www.kentuckytoday.com/news/miss-america-personalities-visit-fort-knox/article_ff86e3b6-0da4-11ef-9e5b-73c86ed39cb5.html |access-date=2024-05-14 |website=Kentucky Today |language=en}} and Ebbing Air National Guard Base.{{Cite web |date=2024-05-10 |title=Miss America spoke with Fort Smith teens as part of her homecoming celebration {{!}} Arkansas Democrat Gazette |url=https://www.arkansasonline.com/news/2024/may/10/miss-america-spoke-with-fort-smith-teens-as-part/ |access-date=2024-05-14 |website=www.arkansasonline.com |language=en}} She presented a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier (Unknowns) at Arlington National Cemetery, and visited the Memorial Display Room on March 3, 2024.

Madison was a special guest of the United Kingdoms Royal International Airshow in England in July 2024, and spoke about her USAF career mixed with being Miss America in front of 100,000 visitors from all over the world.

After her Miss America reign, Marsh continues as an Air Force officer and as a graduate student at Harvard University (as of 2025).{{Cite web |last=Marsh |first=Madison |title=My year as Miss America proves joining the military doesn't mean losing yourself {{!}} Opinion |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/opinion/voices/2025/01/03/miss-america-2024-madison-marsh-air-force/76893215007/ |access-date=2025-05-01 |website=USA TODAY |language=en-US}} In April 2025, she gave a keynote at Harvard Kennedy School's Institute of Politics.{{Cite web |title=Many Ways to Serve: Special Event with 2nd Lt. Madison Marsh {{!}} The Institute of Politics at Harvard University |url=https://iop.harvard.edu/events/many-ways-serve-special-event-2nd-lt-madison-marsh |access-date=2025-05-01 |website=iop.harvard.edu |language=en}}

Marsh has a black belt in taekwondo.{{cite news |title=US Air Force pilot becomes first active-duty military service member to win Miss America |url=https://news.sky.com/story/us-air-force-pilot-becomes-first-active-duty-military-service-member-to-win-miss-america-13049474 |work=Sky News |date=16 January 2024 }} In January 2024, Marsh announced her engagement to Walker Morris;{{Cite web |last=Marsh |first=Madison |date=January 21, 2021 |title=The easiest yes |url=https://www.instagram.com/p/C2XyiZ6plEG/?img_index=1 |website=Instagram}} this was in sharp contrast to the Miss America pageant's previous strict "no-boyfriend" rules.{{Cite web |last=Konstantinides |first=Anneta |title=Miss America no longer has to hide her significant other |url=https://www.businessinsider.com/miss-america-no-longer-has-to-hide-significant-other-2024-2 |access-date=2024-03-02 |website=Business Insider |language=en-US}}

Marsh's cousin is Madeline Bohlman, a beauty pageant titleholder who was crowned Miss Arkansas Teen USA in 2021 and Miss Arkansas USA in 2024.{{cite web|url=https://www.4029tv.com/article/miss-america-returns-home-to-fort-smith-for-full-day-of-events/60749627|title=Miss America returns home to Fort Smith for full day of events|publisher=KHBS|last=Evans|first=Brandon|date=May 9, 2024|access-date=May 25, 2024}}

{{reflist}}

{{Commons category}}

• {{Url|https://www.missamerica.org/|Miss America official website}}

{{s-start}}

{{s-ach}}

{{s-bef|before=Grace Stanke}}

{{s-ttl|title=Miss America|years=2024}}

{{s-aft|after=Abbie Stockard}}

|-

{{s-bef|before=Savannah Cavanaugh}}

{{s-ttl|title=Miss Colorado |years=2023}}

{{s-aft|after=Sarah Jean Swift}}

{{s-end}}

{{authority control}}

{{Miss America titleholders}}

{{Colorado pageant winners}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Marsh, Madison}}

Category:2001 births

Category:American beauty pageant winners

Category:Female officers of the United States Air Force

Category:Harvard Kennedy School alumni

Category:Living people

Category:Miss America winners

Category:People from Colorado Springs, Colorado

Category:People from Fort Smith, Arkansas

Category:United States Air Force Academy alumni

Category:United States Air Force officers