Kayla Kosmalski is the inaugural contestant with Down syndrome to participate in Miss Teen USA.
This year’s Miss USA and Miss Teen USA pageants are marked by historic achievements.
At 41, K Johnson, Miss Arizona, became eligible as the age cap of 28 has been removed.
Kayla Kosmalski made history as the first contestant with Down syndrome at Miss Teen USA.
This year is set to be a memorable chapter for the Miss USA competition.
The events surrounding the pageant have been tumultuous in 2024 due to unexpected resignations from both Miss USA Noelia Voigt and Miss Teen USA UmaSofia Srivastava in May.
However, new queens are being announced this week, and several contestants are making their mark indelibly on history.
Trailblazing Achievements: Bailey Anne Kennedy - Miss Maryland 2024
Bailey Anne Kennedy conquers barriers as she holds multiple milestones including being transgender and living representation of diversity within her title.
Bailey Anne Kennedy is forging a new path for future participants in the pageant scene. As a groundbreaking winner of the state title, she proudly identifies as both transgender and Asian American while also being over 28 years old—the first woman to do so from her state. This marks a pivotal year where women aged 18 plus can now compete for representing their states at Miss USA.
Kennedy’s journey started here; it was her initial venture into beauty pageants. She expressed that it was previously considered improbable for someone like herself not only to compete but also emerge victorious.
“Achieving this victory stands not merely as my personal milestone but resonates deeply within many communities I advocate,”, shared the resolute 31-year-old during an interview.
Kennedy’s story includes immigrating from Cambodia as a child, currently married to an active duty Marine while volunteering extensively with United Service Organizations (USO). Her life mantra emanates through her words—“beauty knows no bounds.”
Kennedy articulated her aspirations profoundly: “I aim to positively influence those on similar journeys while dispelling misconceptions associated with military spouses who stay home or members of LGBTQIA+ community.”
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Celebrating Success in May
"Traveling across the globe has been an incredible journey for me. I've had the opportunity to hold remarkable positions and foster meaningful friendships with driven women who share my aspirations," she expressed. "Participating in pageants can significantly alter a young woman’s trajectory, regardless of the outcome."
Trailblazer: Miss Connecticut 2024 Shavana Clarke
Shavana Clarke, Miss Connecticut 2024.
Image courtesy of Miss USA
At 29 years old, Shavana Clarke stands out as the first openly lesbian titleholder for a Miss USA state pageant and is proud to be the first openly queer representative from Connecticut. She aims to use her platform to challenge societal norms.
"This experience has shown me that my sexuality is integral to my identity," she remarked during an interview with the
Connecticut Post. "So I believe it's essential to be open about it."
Clarke holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in acting from the University of Connecticut and operates her own crochet fashion brand called Sour Candy Studio. Notably, she crafted her swimsuit specifically for Miss Connecticut.
Apart from modeling and entrepreneurship, she passionately advocates for mental health awareness. She shared with
Connecticut Post that she received a diagnosis of borderline personality disorder in her twenties.
"I never envisioned reaching this pinnacle as Miss Connecticut USA after enduring so many mental health challenges," Clarke reflected. "Initially, I thought it was beyond reach—something only 'perfect' individuals could attain."
"It's vital to share my mental health story and diagnosis," she emphasized. "This way, others can understand that titleholders are not flawless; rather they are genuine individuals."
Historic Win: Kayla Kosmalski as Miss Delaware Teen 2024
Kayla Kosmalski made history by winning the title of Miss Delaware Teen USA. '.$associated = plot('Courtesy of .miss /delawareteenusa.).'
Kosmalski created history recently when she became the very first person with Down syndrome to capture
the title of Miss Delaware Teen USA.
p.Kayla issues updates on her adventure via TikTok where one video revealed how she'd been “preparing all her life”
for such accolades.
Kosmalski stated，“I've strived diligently to demonstrate that individuals with Down syndrome hold rightful places on any platform," continuing,
"We shouldn't have these unnecessary expectations set upon us but often we still face them.”
