Teen with Down syndrome makes history by winning the title of Miss Delaware Teen USA

Determination and persistence always pay off. When people are goal-oriented, nothing can stop them from achieving their goals. 17-year-old Kayla Kosmalski proved it by winning the title of Miss Delaware Teen USA, according to CBS Philadelphia. The high school student broke barriers by becoming the first teenager with Down syndrome to ever win the title. The young woman took part in the competition for the second time and secured the crown with her charm, grace and elegance. The multi-talented beauty, a swimmer and cheerleader at Middletown High School, credits her victory to hard work.

“Anyone can achieve anything if they dream big and achieve goals,” she commented, as reported by Town Square Delaware. Her parents, Amy and Rick, shared that when they received their then-little Kosmalski's diagnosis, they thought it was the end of an exciting life for their daughter. “After a few weeks of loving her and having her at home, I thought, 'This is not what Down syndrome has to be.' I will love her. “I will encourage her as much as any other child we are blessed to have,” Amy remembers. “Kayla will write her own story.” Kosmalski has been passionately trying to win the competition for some time.

The teenager who participated once faced some obstacles that cost her participation last year. However, the teenager continued her quest for the crown and prepared to secure the well-deserved title this year. @missteenusa shared a post on Instagram showing Kosmalski proud of making it to the top 6. Her parents have supported her throughout, regardless of the outcome. “It was up to Kayla and the first runner-up, and I thought, 'Well, first runner-up. This is fantastic.' “No one with Down syndrome has ever been able to do something like this,” Amy said. After the young woman was crowned Miss Delaware Teen USA, her parents' joy and surprise knew no bounds. While Kosmalski was amazed, she moved to the center of the stage to accept her crown.

It's not just Kosmalski's stunning glamor that won her the crown. There was much more to the powerful young woman. As a person with Down syndrome, she is actively involved in activism and advocacy and advocates for the inclusion of people with disabilities. She also put a lot of work into passing the Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act. A law has been revised that allows people with disabilities receiving state benefits to only have $2,000 in assets or they would lose their benefits. Thanks to Kosmalski's efforts, there are no longer grim limitations hindering those who aim high.

“Kayla represents all people with Down syndrome. There is a bigger picture. She represents not only herself, but so many others who may be afraid to take that risk and step out of their comfort zone,” said Vincenza Carrieri-Russo, Executive Director of Miss Delaware Teen USA. She also shared a post of the teenager on her Instagram. Kosmalski strongly believes that people with Down syndrome should have no reason to hold back from pursuing their dreams. “They are who they are. They are amazing. Be nice to each other. Down syndrome doesn’t hold me back!”