Credits: Social Media
Alma Cooper dubbed most inspirational Miss USA winner as she prepares for international leg�
Alma Cooper was crowned the next Miss USA on Saturday, and she might be the most impressive yet with a dazzling military career, a killer smile, and some advice many of us could do with hearing.
Miss USA was started way back in 1952 and it comprised of a private interview, on-stage questions, a talent or story, and displays of health and fitness, and an evening gown. Though somewhat controversial in some circles, Miss USA and the wider pageant community have worked tirelessly to make their events more inclusive and a better representation of womanhood.
Alma Cooper was crowned earlier this week
On Saturday, August 4, some of America’s most beautiful women attended the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, California, in the hopes of being crowned Miss USA.
22-year-old US Army officer Alma Cooper was the lucky winner, and will now go on to compete in the 2024 Miss Universe Pageant in November. Connor Perry was designated as the first runner-up, followed by Danika Christopherson, Christell Foote, and Macy Hudson.
Though fans and judges alike have been dazzled by her clear beauty, Alma’s story is arguably more inspiring.
As the daughter of a migrant worker, a proud Afro-Latina woman, and an officer of the United States Army, I am living the American dream, she told judges during the Q&A portion of the evening, as reported by CNN.
With so many people struggling with mental health, whether that be because of poor sleep or becoming obsessed with a celebrity, Alma’s response to a major life lesson could help a lot of people.
If theres anything that my life and my mother have taught me, its that your circumstances never define your destiny: You can make success accessible through demanding excellence,” she said.
Outside of her military career and work in the pageant scene, Alma is also a data scientist, and a master’s student at Stanford University, where she is researching food insecurity.
Her dedication goes to show that you can, in fact, do it all.
The world loves Alma
Since Alma won that incredibly shiny crown, the internet has been flooded with adoring comments and people dubbing her the “most inspirational” contestant in living memory.
On X, formally known and preferred as Twitter, one person said: “As a retired Marine and a fellow alumni of Stanford. I could not be prouder.”
“Such an inspiration. Stanford scholar, Westpoint, data scientist, Miss USA!!” someone else said.
“Congratulations to 2nd Lt. Alma Cooper, USMA Class of 2023, on being crowned @MissUSA! Cooper, the first active-duty #soldier to receive this title, attributes her dedication to character, both in and out of uniform, to her years at West Point,” wrote the U.S. Military Academy at West Point.
“Crowns arent made of rhinestones& Theyre made of discipline, determination, and a hard-to-find alloy called courage! Congratulations,” another person wrote.
