Miss Colorado Madison March Becomes First Active-Duty Officer To Be Crowned Miss America

On Sunday night, Miss Colorado Madison Marsh became the first active-duty officer to be crowned Miss America.

Marsh was crowned by last year’s winner, nuclear engineering student Grace Stanke, in the Orlando, Florida, ceremony.

Second Lieutenant Marsh graduated from the Air Force Academy last year with a degree in physics. Along with serving in the Air Force, Marsh is an advocate for pancreatic cancer research following the death of her mother from the disease. Marsh, her father and sister created the Whitney Marsh Foundation, raising money for research and education.

“My cousin had competed in pageants for a long time, and one of the big things about it that I love is the community service aspect and the focus on public speaking,” Marsh said.

She only participated in her first pageant during her time in the Air Force Academy.

Marsh has been acknowledged for her academic achievements and prowess. She has been on the Air Force Dean’s List eight times and will be pursuing a master’s degree as a graduate student at the Kennedy School Of Government at Harvard University. She has plans to train as a Top Gun pilot following her graduation. Marsh was also granted a $60,000 scholarship as part of her Miss America winnings.