This Is The First Woman With Down Syndrome To Compete In A Miss USA State Pageant

Down Syndrome is a common genetic condition that leads to learning disabilities. It affects one in 700 babies born in the US. It's one of society's most recognized disabilities. But, it does not mean that they cannot learn basic skills like writing and reading or even attend regular public schools. People with Down Syndrome should always be encouraged to develop their skills and talents in order to live their lives to their fullest potential. We as a society should never exclude people with disabilities from pursuing their dreams and aspirations.

Meet 22-year-old Mikayla Holmgren from Stillwater, Minnesota. She will be the very first person with Down Syndrome to compete in the Miss USA State Pageant. She says that she is really good at pageants because they are her passion.

Mikayla is far from new to the world of fancy dresses and tiaras. She has already competed in several junior pageants and was crowned Miss Minnesota Junior Miss Amazing in 2015. As far as her appearance in the Miss USA State Pageant, she says that she was so shocked to be a part of it that she was in tears. She went from doing special needs pageants to one of the biggest pageants in the world.

She says the pageant world has been a lot of work for her. She and her mother spend a lot of time shopping and doing mock interviews to get ready as well as practicing all of the components of a pageant and doing her makeup and hair.

Mikayla is an honest to God inspiration for all people with disabilities. She goes after her dreams and does not let anything or anyone get in the way of her passions.

While Mikayla did not win the competition, she was presented with two awards. She received the Spirit of Miss USA award and the Director's Award. We congratulate her on her hard work and following her dreams so passionately. Keep it up, Mikayla!