Teen with Down Syndrome Makes Beauty Pageant History — and Gets Named Miss Congeniality (Exclusive)

Mar. 15, 2025

Kayla Kosmalski.Photo:Gilbert Flores/Variety via Getty

Gilbert Flores/Variety via Getty

Kayla Kosmalski, 18, made history last week when she became the first contestant with Down syndrome to compete inMiss Teen USA.“I want to show the world thatpeople with Down syndrome can do anything,” Kosmalski, who traveled to Los Angeles to compete in the pageant after being crownedMiss Delaware Teen USA2024 in April, tells PEOPLE.“The experience was amazing – and I loved to be on stage,” says the teen, whose platform was acceptance and inclusion for people with the genetic condition.She adds, “I want to show little girls that they can dream big.“Kayla Kosmalski.Kayla Kosmalski Miss Teen Delaware USAKosmalski competed in her first pageant at the age of 5 — and she enjoyed it so much, that she kept going.“I like to show my passion, my energy, my attitude,” she says. “I just love pageants!”Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE’s free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.The teen from Middleton, Del., graduated from high school this spring. This fall, she will be a freshman at Wilmington University, where she plans to major in communications.She’s also made the school’s National Champion cheerleading team and has already headed off for cheerleading camp.Kayla Kosmalski.Kayla Kosmalski Miss Teen Delaware USAAs for the future, Kosmalski wants to be an actress, activist, and motivational speaker — and she’s already been able to make most of that a reality.She is the 2024 Ambassador for Hearts of Joy International, which provides life-saving heart surgery for babies with Down syndrome. Additionally, over the years she’s lobbied for several laws, including “Kayla’s Law,” which is named after her and empowers Americans with disabilities to achieve financial independence.The PEOPLE Puzzler crossword is here! How quickly can you solve it? Play now!“This is only the beginning,” saysVincenza Carrieri-Russo, executive state director of the Miss Delaware USA and Miss Delaware Teen USA, and a former Miss Delaware USA herself. “She’s going to conquer the world. Look what she’s done already. I see such a bright future.”Kayla Kosmalski.Kayla Kosmalski Miss Teen Delaware USAEven though Kosmalski did not win the title — thecrown went to Mississippi native Addie Carver— she was named “Miss Congeniality.”“Because I love everything about myself,” she says, “I want to let everyone know to dream big, be brave, be strong, be yourself and keep shining brightly!”

Kayla Kosmalski, 18, made history last week when she became the first contestant with Down syndrome to compete inMiss Teen USA.

“I want to show the world thatpeople with Down syndrome can do anything,” Kosmalski, who traveled to Los Angeles to compete in the pageant after being crownedMiss Delaware Teen USA2024 in April, tells PEOPLE.

“The experience was amazing – and I loved to be on stage,” says the teen, whose platform was acceptance and inclusion for people with the genetic condition.

She adds, “I want to show little girls that they can dream big."

Kayla Kosmalski.Kayla Kosmalski Miss Teen Delaware USA

Kayla Kosmalski Miss Teen Delaware USA

Kosmalski competed in her first pageant at the age of 5 — and she enjoyed it so much, that she kept going.

“I like to show my passion, my energy, my attitude,” she says. “I just love pageants!”

Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE’s free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

The teen from Middleton, Del., graduated from high school this spring. This fall, she will be a freshman at Wilmington University, where she plans to major in communications.

She’s also made the school’s National Champion cheerleading team and has already headed off for cheerleading camp.

As for the future, Kosmalski wants to be an actress, activist, and motivational speaker — and she’s already been able to make most of that a reality.

She is the 2024 Ambassador for Hearts of Joy International, which provides life-saving heart surgery for babies with Down syndrome. Additionally, over the years she’s lobbied for several laws, including “Kayla’s Law,” which is named after her and empowers Americans with disabilities to achieve financial independence.

The PEOPLE Puzzler crossword is here! How quickly can you solve it? Play now!

“This is only the beginning,” saysVincenza Carrieri-Russo, executive state director of the Miss Delaware USA and Miss Delaware Teen USA, and a former Miss Delaware USA herself. “She’s going to conquer the world. Look what she’s done already. I see such a bright future.”

Even though Kosmalski did not win the title — thecrown went to Mississippi native Addie Carver— she was named “Miss Congeniality.”

“Because I love everything about myself," she says, “I want to let everyone know to dream big, be brave, be strong, be yourself and keep shining brightly!”

source: people.com