She Became The First Person With Down Syndrome To Participate In A Miss USA Pageant, Her Story Is Incredible
To be considered for a Miss USA pageant, you have to exude brilliance in all aspects of life. You have to be true to yourself and show an extraordinary amount of selflessness, humility and the ability to overcome obstacles with a big smile on your face.
22-year-old Mikayla Holmgren is all of those things and more. She's a trailblazer that's now being recognized worldwide for her contagious confidence and smile. She just became the first Miss USA contestant with Down's Syndrome in this year's Miss Minnesota pageant.
History Was Made
Although she didn't win the honors of being called Miss Minnesota for the year — Kalie Wright did— Holmgren didn't go home empty-handed. She won the Spirit of Miss USA award as well as the Director's award, which she couldn't believe actually happened. She had quite the emotional response.
A Night To Remember
After finding out she won the awards, she burst into tears on stage and was quickly embraced by 2017 Miss Minnesota USA, Meredith Gould, and pageant Director Denise Wallace-Heitkamp. Denise read Holmgren's nomination and started by saying "You make people smile every time you talk, cheer, smile and dance. There is nothing normal about you and why be normal when you can be great?"
Who Is Mikayla Holmgren?
Now 22-years-old, Mikayla Holmgren was destined to break down walls and barriers from a young age. She's been a positive force in everyone's life, brightening up every room she enters since she was just a baby. The Stillwater, Minnesota, native has had a zest for life that's unmatched.
Where Did The Passion Come From?
One of her first loves was cheerleading. Holmgren has been dancing since she was just six years old and it's been an integral part of her life in many aspects. It helped her build enough confidence to open other doors that would eventually lead to her to being the star that everyone saw on stage in Burnsville, Minnesota.
Dancing Is A Huge Part Of Her Life
She now attends Bethel University in Minnesota. She's enrolled in the Inclusive Learning and Development program which focuses on academic, vocational, residential, and social learning experiences for the individuals with intellectual disabilities. She made the Bethel Dance Team, which was a dream of hers for a long time.
The Leap Of Faith
"Dancing is a good outlet for me. It's how I express myself. It's my talent and I want to show people what I can do and how I can give more," she told Buzzfeed in an interview. Holmgren wanted no special treatment throughout this process and said it was imperative that they judge her on her merits alone.
Those Weren't Her First Awards
Although these may be the most prestigious awards that Mikayla has earned, she isn't that new to winning. She won the Minnesota Miss Amazing pageant in 2015 and has only excelled in every aspect of life since then. Although she didn't need to win the pageant to know she's amazing, the hardware is nice nonetheless.
Miss Amazing 2015
The Miss Amazing pageant strives to give women with disabilities a supportive environment to build confidence and allow them to grow to their full potential. Over 85 girls took part in the pageant this year, with 270 volunteers donating their time to make this annual event very special.
A Special Person Came To Support
She was getting support left, right, and center from her friends and family. One person imparticular, another Miss Amazing winner, also showed up to the pageant. Mikayla can't stop talking about how appreciative she is for all the support from her friends and family.
She's Been In Bright Lights Before
The National Down Syndrome Society had their annual Buddy Walk in September in New York City and Mikayla's picture was featured in the middle of Times Square. The NDSS is a leading organization with the goal of ensuring human rights for individuals with Down's Syndrome.
Best Buddies Ambassador
She's also a Best Buddies International Ambassador. BB is a non-profit organization that looks to engage with a global network of volunteers that have a goal of ensuring one-to-one friendships, integrated employment, and leadership development for people with intellectual and development disabilities.
She Does More..
Yes, her credentials aren't done just yet. She's also an intern at the Minnesota Children's Museum. She prides herself on hard work and loves being busy, which is why this internship has been so beneficial to her. Holmgren has also competed in the Special Olympics as a gymnast which just adds to her otherwise impressive resume.
Preparation Started Early
One of her favorite parts of being in pageants is the glitz and glamor that go along with it. You'd be hardpressed to find anyone who doesn't enjoy getting pampered, but Mikayla loves it. When you get to put on fancy dresses, get your hair done just right, and inspire those in the audience, it's easy to see why!
She's Got A Serious Fan Base Now
Mikayla is a rising star across America after her historic showing. She's growing quite the fanbase too with countless articles written on her, from Buzzfeed to Newsweek and everything in between. She now has over 10 thousand followers on Instagram and that number is rising significantly with each day.
Representing Minnesota With Pride
Holmgren felt absolute bliss being up on stage with all the pageant girls. She started making headline after she announced she would be seeking the nomination of Miss Minnesota. She's following in the footsteps of Halima Aden, who was a participant in the state pageant last year, being the first women to wear a hijab and burkini on stage.
Does This Story Remind You Of Someone?
You're not alone if Mikayla brings back happy memories of seeing Austrailian born model Madeline Stuart. She is known to be the first professional model with Down syndrome to walk the runway at New York Fashion Week. She signed some modeling contracts with Manifesto, a fitness brand and everMaya, which is a handbag company.
More About Maddy
One of her biggest accomplishments has been appearing in Vogue magazine. She started her own fashion label which was revealed at NYFW 2017, and it's called "21 Reasons Why" by Madeline Stuart. The name comes from Stuart celebrating her 21st birthday, as well as the extra copy of chromosome 21 that is characteristic of Down's Syndrome.
Or What About Isaac?
Isaac "The Shermanator" Marquez lived out his dream of fighting in the UFC octagon against his idol recently. Marquez claims to be the biggest UFC superfan, so for him to be able to go out and fight an MMA fighter, it was like he was in a dream. It all started with Instagram posts from inside the gym detailing his love for the sport.
Living Out His Dream
He fought UFC fighter, Deigo Sanchez, who has a long and decorated career in MMA. But he wasn't what people attending the Isleta Casino came to watch. Marquez was cheered on by a partisan crowd, and the 32-year-old came out throwing right hooks with ease.
Fighting For His Mom
He ended up winning the fight in the first round by submitting Sanchez and forcing him to tap. Marquez received a huge ovation after the getting the American UFC fighter to tap out and he soaked in the victory by raising both hands in the air and cheering. He dedicated the fight to his late mother who died of dementia, and my guess is she would be pretty proud.
