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Madison Marsh

Madison Isabella Marsh (born August 2, 2001) is an American beauty pageant titleholder who was crowned Miss America 2024. Marsh was previously crowned Miss Colorado 2023, and was both the fourth woman representing Colorado and first member of the United States Armed Forces to win Miss America.

Early life and education

Marsh was born in Fort Smith, Arkansas to parents Mike and Whitney Marsh, and is one of five siblings. Her father is a physician, while her mother was a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA). Her mother died of pancreatic cancer when Marsh was 17 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.

Marsh attended Southside High School, and graduated in 2019. As a child and teenager, she participated in space camps and flying lessons, receiving her pilot license at age 16. This led her to enroll in the United States Air Force Academy in El Paso County, Colorado, graduating with a degree in astrophysics in 2023. Upon her graduation, Marsh became a second lieutenant in the United States Air Force. Marsh later enrolled in the Harvard Kennedy School to pursue a Master of Public Policy.

Pageantry

In 2023, Marsh was crowned Miss Academy 2023, a pageant for women attending the United States Air Force Academy. As Miss Academy, she was eligible for the Miss Colorado 2023 pageant, which she went on to win in May 2023. This was her third attempt at competing for the Miss Colorado title. As Miss Colorado, Marsh became the first Miss America contestant to be an active-duty military officer.

Miss America 2024

As Miss Colorado, 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. 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. 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. As part of her prize package, Marsh received a $50,000 scholarship to further her education. Marsh has received over $70,000 total in scholarships from competing within the Miss America organization.

Marsh was the honorary pace car driver at the 2024 Daytona 500 NASCAR race. In February 2024, Marsh received the 'Spirit of the Springs' Award from the city of Colorado Springs. Marsh visited students at schools in Colorado Springs and Daytona Beach.

Personal life

Marsh has a black belt in taekwondo. In January 2024, Marsh announced her engagement to Walker Morris; this is in sharp contrast to the Miss America pageant's previous strict "no-boyfriend" rules.