Kayla Kosmalski, at 18, recently made history by becoming the first contestant with Down syndrome to participate in Miss Teen USA.
“I want to show the world that people with Down syndrome can do anything,” Kosmalski expressed, having journeyed to Los Angeles for the pageant after winning the title of Miss Delaware Teen USA 2024 in April.
“The experience was truly incredible – being on stage was absolutely wonderful,” the teen shared, advocating for acceptance and inclusion for individuals with the genetic condition.
She adds, “I want to show little girls that they can dream big.”
Kosmalski’s pageant journey began at just 5 years old, and her passion for it never waned. Hailing from Middleton, Del., she recently graduated high school and is gearing up to start her freshman year at Wilmington University, aiming to pursue a communications major.
Additionally, she has secured a spot on the school’s National Champion cheerleading team and has already embarked on her cheerleading camp adventures.
Kosmalski has big dreams for the future. She aspires to be an actress, activist, and motivational speaker—goals she’s already started to achieve.
She currently serves as the 2024 Ambassador for Hearts of Joy International, a charity that offers crucial heart surgery to infants with Down syndrome.
Moreover, she has been actively involved in advocating for various legislative measures, notably “Kayla’s Law,” which bears her name and aims to empower individuals with disabilities to attain financial independence.
While Kosmalski didn’t win the title, being awarded “Miss Congeniality” was a significant honor for her. In her own words, “Because I love everything about myself,” she shares, “I want to inspire everyone to dream big, show courage, embrace strength, be true to themselves, and continue shining brightly!”
Olekanma Favour is a resourceful, self-motivated, and result-driven writer with a passion for crafting compelling narratives and insightful content. She loves tackling complex topics and weaving engaging stories.
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