Woman, 22, Makes History As The First Person With Down Syndrome To Compete In A Miss USA State Pageant

Mikayla Holmgren made history on Sunday as the first young woman with Down syndrome to compete in a Miss USA state pageant.

The 22-year-old didn’t need to win the crown in order to be recognized with special awards as she brought home the spirit of Miss USA award and the Director’s award.

“It’s really fun,” she said. “As I do more pageants and I’m really proud of myself … this is my dream,”

Her previous pageant experience included her competing in the 2015 Miss Amazing pageant, a pageant for women with disabilities, said Wallace.