Army Officer Alma Cooper Crowned Miss USA 2024: A Night of Diversity and Inspiration

In a dazzling display of beauty, poise, and intelligence, the Miss USA 2024 pageant crowned its new queen at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles. The glittering event, hosted by Garcelle Beauvais and Keltie Knight, saw 51 contestants from across the nation vying for the coveted title.

As the night drew to a close, 22-year-old Alma Cooper from Michigan emerged victorious, capturing the hearts of judges and audience alike. Cooper, a proud Afro-Latina and U.S. Army officer with a master’s degree in data science from Stanford, embodied the American dream in her inspiring journey to the crown.

During the crucial Q&A section, Cooper’s response resonated deeply. “As the daughter of a migrant worker, I am living the American dream,” she declared, emphasizing that circumstances don’t define destiny.

The competition was fierce, with Connor Perry from Kentucky securing the first runner-up position, followed by Oklahoma’s Danika Christopherson, Tennessee’s Christell Foote, and Ohio’s Macy Hudson rounding out the top five.

This year’s pageant broke new ground by allowing contestants over 28 to participate. Arizona’s K Johnson, at 41, became the oldest competitor in Miss USA history, marking a significant shift in the pageant’s approach to age and representation.

The judging panel boasted an impressive lineup, including reality TV star Scheana Shay, cosmetics mogul Anastasia Soare, and singer Gavin DeGraw, among other notable figures from various fields.

As the new Miss USA, Cooper will go on to represent the United States at the Miss Universe Pageant in Mexico this November. Her win not only celebrates her achievements but also highlights the diverse tapestry of American society.

The pageant, broadcast on The CW, continues to evolve, reflecting changing societal values while maintaining its tradition of showcasing the nation’s most accomplished and inspiring women.

Sushmita Chowdhary, Staff Reporter.