First Down Syndrome candidate in Miss Minnesota Pageant

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Mikayla Holmgren, 22, competed Saturday at the Miss Minnesota pageant in Burnsville. It’s the first time someone with Down Syndrome has competed in a Miss USA state pageant, according to the Star Tribune.

“I'm really good at them because it's my passion," Holmgren told KSTP of her pageantry experience. "It's really fun. As I do more pageants and I'm really proud of myself ... this is my dream.”

The 22-year-old had previously been crowned Minnesota Junior Miss Amazing in 2015 and competed in the national Junior Miss Amazing in Los Angeles, the Tribune reported.

Holmgren said she wants the world to know that her Down Syndrome “does not define” her. “With your help, I can help break through walls,” she told KARE television.