LANSING, Mich. (WLNS) – The 2024 Miss Michigan USA has been crowned and the winner has been chosen from Okemos.
Alma Cooper, just 22 years old, is the first active duty military officer to compete in Miss Michigan USA. Once she completes graduate school at Stanford University, she plans to serve as a military intelligence officer. But first she will fulfill her duties as Miss Michigan 2024.
“I am so grateful to not only finally get this far, but to represent the great state of Michigan,” Alma said.
Alma said she was never one to run away from a challenge. In fact, she said, she tends to run towards them. On April 21, she won her crown at an event in Port Huron where more than 60 people competed. She is excited about all the benefits the new platform will bring.
“I strongly believe that if you can see me, you can be me too. I want to inspire them to strive for excellence,” Alma said.
Alma graduated from Okemos High School in 2019. As she grew up, she saw others getting involved in the community and she followed suit. One of her main passions is fighting food insecurity.
“11.9% of Michiganders actually experience food insecurity. One of the things I’m really looking forward to is launching a food drive in my state. And getting out into the community. , be proactive about this issue,” Alma said.
Alma, a student at Stanford University pursuing a master’s degree in data science, plans to use her skills to focus on this issue of food insecurity. She also studied at the United States Military Academy, West Point. When she graduates from Stanford University, she plans to become a second lieutenant in Army Intelligence. Her father, Stacey Cooper, was also an Army officer.
“I think she got a chance to see someone tackle something bigger than themselves,” Stacey said.
And Alma’s mother, Oralia Cooper, entered the contest. She was supposed to be there when Alma was crowned.
“I couldn’t believe it. And when they said her name was Alma Cooper, it was just surreal,” Olalia said.
Alma returned to Stanford to finish out the year. She is a “Knight Hennessy Scholar.” Next, she plans to head to Hollywood, California in August to compete in Miss Her USA.
“This opportunity is bigger than myself in many ways,” Alma continued. “And we hope that future generations will be inspired to overcome the limitations and barriers they may face.”
