After months of turmoil and controversy, Miss Michigan Alma Cooper was declared the winner of Miss USA on August 4, according to a report. New York PostMs Cooper, a US Army officer, becomes the third person to receive the title this year after the 2023 beauty pageant winner resigned.
“As the daughter of a migrant worker, a proud Afro-Latina woman, and an officer in the United States Army, I am living the American dream,” she told judges during a Q&A at the finale.
He added, “If my life and my mother have taught me anything, it’s that your circumstances never determine your destiny: You can make success accessible by demanding excellence.”
The 22-year-old, who has a master’s degree in data science from Stanford University, beat 50 other contestants in the competition, which included swimsuit and evening gown rounds. Connor Perry of Kentucky and Danica Christopherson of Oklahoma were ranked first and second runners-up. According to her social media accounts, Ms Cooper is a military intelligence officer serving as a second lieutenant.
Ms. Cooper was crowned live by Miss USA 2023, Savannah Gankiewicz of Hawaii, who inherited the crown in May following the controversial resignation of Noelia Voigt of Utah.
“While this decision was not made lightly, I firmly believe this opportunity was meant for me and I am ready to make a positive impact with this organization that I love so dearly in my heart,” the 28-year-old told CNN in May, where she was crowned by Hawaii Governor Josh Green at a ceremony in Honolulu.
Ms. Gankiewicz added, “I am dedicated to taking action and making a difference. With my background as a certified mental health first aid responder and training in suicide prevention, I understand the importance of prioritizing your well-being and advocating for those in need. I believe real change starts from within and I am determined to lead by example and empower the class of 2024 and beyond.”
Meanwhile, Ms. Voigt, who was crowned in September 2023, resigned on May 6 and shared the news in an Instagram post. “I imagine this may come as a big shock to many. Never compromise your physical and mental well-being,” she wrote in the caption. Ms. Voigt was crowned the 72nd Miss USA winner in Nevada in 2023. She was the first Venezuelan-American woman to win Miss USA, according to her statement.
It is noteworthy that according to AFP, the Miss USA pageant has been marred by several controversies and scandals in recent years, including several allegations of special treatment being given to some contestants.
Although the organization eventually found that the allegations were unfounded, previous Miss USA winner Crystle Stewart resigned as president. After serving as the organization’s vice president, her husband Max Sebrechts stepped down amid a flurry of sexual assault allegations by past contestants. Cheslie Kryst, who was crowned Miss USA in 2019, died by suicide in early 2022.