(NewsNation) — Alma Cooper was crowned 2024 Miss USA on Sunday, becoming the first active-duty officer to claim the tiara.
Cooper, who was representing Michigan, praised the other 51 women she competed against when speaking exclusively to NewsNation’s “Morning in America” on Monday.
“Walking that stage was absolutely electric and sharing that moment and holding hands with each and every woman at every single selection cut,” Cooper said.
“I mean, I will remember this feeling for the rest of my life, and I’m sure they will as well.”
The 22-year-old West Point graduate, who is currently studying statistics at Stanford, is an active-duty second lieutenant in the U.S. Army.
“I think the biggest thing I learned at West Point is your character and how fundamental it is — and how you lead and how you carry yourself throughout your life.”
Ahead of September’s 2024 Miss Universe pageant, Cooper is not only pursuing her ambitions but is encouraging others to follow theirs.
“Your circumstances never can define your destiny. Truly as Miss USA, if you can see me, you can be me. And I hope listeners at home know that and really feel pushed and propelled to chase their wildest dreams.”
Third Miss USA this year
Cooper will take the throne temporarily held by Savannah Gankiewicz. The representative from Hawaii was officially crowned in May, less than two weeks after then-Miss USA stepped down.
In early May, Noelia Voigt, who became the first Venezuelan-American to win the Miss USA competition in September 2023, suddenly resigned. In an Instagram post, she cited her “physical and mental well-being.”
The former Miss Utah USA title holder didn’t elaborate much further but described her time with the crown as “incredibly meaningful.” Days later, Miss Teen USA UmaSofia Srivastava also stepped down.
Voigt’s resignation bolstered first-runner-up Gankiewicz into the role of Miss USA. Her reign lasted less than three months.
Speaking with Nexstar’s KHON, Gankiewicz said she was “bullied and harassed” and received “death threats constantly” after taking over the title.
“But I wanted people to know that I’ve taken this title because I feel like it is a responsibility and an opportunity to make a positive change from within, and I can only do that from inside the organization and not standing out,” she said.
In a post to Instagram on Sunday, Gankiewicz said she was grateful for her “unique journey” and wished the newest Miss USA “nothing but joy and success.”
