FORT SMITH — Miss America Madison Marsh spoke with high school girls about joining the military, pageants, leadership and coping with grief.
“I can’t say enough how lucky I am to get to be back in our hometown because Fort Smith is where everything started for me,” Marsh said.
Marsh, 22, was crowned Miss America on Jan. 14.
She began her homecoming celebration by meeting with local young women who got to ask her questions. The audience included about 30 high schoolers and several families with younger daughters.
The event took place at the Ebbing Air National Guard Base. Marsh wore her fatigues and took photos with attendees after her presentation.
Marsh, as the first active-duty Air Force officer to become Miss America, has to balance the dual roles. She explained to the crowd she now serves the military by promoting the service during her events.
“I can’t even explain to you the type of family and friendship environment you’re going to find at any squadron you go to; it’s like a small family that’s always looking out for you,” Marsh said while answering a question about how the Air Force affects her relationships.
Marsh touched on many topics but focused on her education and promoted staying in school. She spoke on the difficulties she faced her freshman year at the Air Force Academy and the temptation to give up. However, she stuck with it and said it was all worth it when she graduated.
Marsh also spoke about her high school experience and how she balanced her academics with the pain of losing her mother, Whitney Marsh, to pancreatic cancer in 2018. She emphasized the importance of taking breaks and people allowing themselves to rest so they can push themselves further.
One of Marsh’s interests involves raising awareness of pancreatic cancer research. The Whitney Marsh Foundation has raised more than $230,000 for awareness-related efforts since its 2019 launch.
“Her remarkable strength and story are an inspiration for all,” U.S. Rep. Steve Womack, R-Rogers, previously said about Marsh.
City officials also have applauded Marsh’s accomplishments.
“We’re overly proud Miss America is from Fort Smith, Arkansas,” said Mayor George McGill, during his state of the city address in February.
Marsh’s homecoming continues Friday. She is scheduled to begin the day with visits to Immaculate Conception and Woods elementary schools, and her alma maters Trinity Catholic and Southside High schools, according to a news release from the city.
Marsh then will have a private press event at the U.S. Marshals Museum with Womack and McGill, followed by a public meet-and-greet event, also at the museum, from 2:45 to 4 p.m. Attendees are encouraged to arrive early.
She’ll end the day with a parade at 6:30 p.m. on Garrison Avenue from Sixth to 10th streets. The parade is meant to honor Marsh’s achievements. It will also feature McGill, the Southside and Northside high school marching bands, local dance and cheer squads and more, according to the city release.
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