A new pageant queen has been crowned. 

Alma Cooper of Michigan has been named Miss USA 2024 following the 73rd annual competition in Burbank, Calif., Aug. 4. 

The 22-year-old is an Army officer and a graduate of the United States Military Academy. She became the first active duty military officer to be selected as Miss Michigan, serving as a second lieutenant and military intelligence officer. Alma, who described herself as a “proud Afro-Latina woman” is currently studying for her Masters degree at Stanford University in statistics. 

Alma shared in her Miss USA bio that she hopes to use her platform to shed light on food insecurity, with the note, “Her ultimate goal is to make healthy foods available to all people.” 

During the annual pageant, the competition came down to Alma and Miss Kentucky, Connor Perry. Connor, a professional dancer with a degree in neuroscience, ultimately became the first runner up. Other finalists included Miss Ohio, Macy Hudson, Miss Tennessee, Christell Foote, and Miss Oklahoma, Danika Christopherson.