Stacey and Oralia Cooper, the parents of Miss USA 2024 Alma Cooper, embody the American dream and have instilled the values of perseverance, excellence, and service in their daughter.
Key Takeaways
- Stacey Cooper, Alma’s father, dedicated 24 years of his life to the United States Army, retiring as a Major.
- Alma’s mother, Oralia Cooper, migrated to the States at the age of six and worked as a migrant farm worker in her childhood.
- Both parents have consistently supported Alma’s endeavors, never pressuring her into specific choices but always encouraging her to strive for excellence.
Their diverse backgrounds and support have played a crucial role in shaping Alma’s remarkable journey to success.
Stacey Cooper, Alma’s father, dedicated 24 years of his life to the United States Army, retiring as a Major.
His military career inspired Alma to follow in his footsteps and pursue a path of service.
Stacey’s commitment to something larger than himself left a lasting impression on his daughter.
He encouraged Alma’s decision to attend West Point, recognizing the opportunity for her to push her physical limits and develop strong leadership skills.
Oralia Cooper, Alma’s mother, has an equally inspiring story.
She migrated to the United States at the age of six and worked as a migrant farm worker in her childhood.
Despite facing early hardships, Oralia persevered and pursued higher education.
She earned a Bachelor’s degree from Idaho State University and later completed a Master’s in Educational Administration from Saginaw Valley State Univeristy.
Oralia’s journey from migrant worker to school administrator showcases the power of determination and education to transform one’s circumstances.
Both parents have consistently supported Alma’s endeavors, never pressuring her into specific choices but always encouraging her to strive for excellence.
Their influence is evident in Alma’s diverse achievements, from her military service to her academic pursuits and pageant success.
Likewise, Oralia’s past experiences with food insecurity have deeply influenced Alma’s research interests.
Now pursuing a master’s in statistics at Stanford Univeristy, Alma focuses on food insecurity, health, and nutrition, driven by her mother’s personal struggle and the broader issue affecting many American children.
The Coopers’ support extends beyond moral encouragement.
When Alma decided to compete in Miss Michigan Teen USA at 14, Oralia personally sewed and decorated her daughter’s dress, adding hundreds of beads to a hand-me-down gown.
This act of love and support showcases the hands-on involvement of Alma’s parents in her pursuit.
That’s why Alma often credits her parents for her success and values.
She attributes her unrelenting spirit to her mother, who taught her never to say “I can’t.”
Likewise, her father taught her the importance of commitment and service to one’s country.
The Coopers’ emphasis on education, hard work, and giving back to the community has clearly shaped Alma’s worldview and ambitions.
As Alma Cooper takes on her role as Miss USA 2024, she carries with her the legacy of her parents’ hard work and dedication.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Alma Cooper is the first active-duty Army officer to compete and win Miss USA 2024.
- She is working her way to receive a master’s degree in data science at Stanford University.
- She has an elder sister named Brooke, who is cognitively impaired.
