Still sporting her tiara atop perfectly coiffed blonde curls, Mikayla Holmgren couldn't stop smiling as she recalled what it was like to not only compete in but receive two awards at the Miss Minnesota USA pageant.

"I was super shocked, I was in tears," the 22-year-old from Stillwater, Minnesota, told BuzzFeed News over FaceTime from her celebratory dinner late Sunday night. "I went from a special needs pageant to the biggest pageant in the world. It's kind of crazy."

In addition to winning the Spirit of Miss USA Award and the Director's Award, Holmgren also made history as the first woman with Down syndrome to compete in a Miss USA pageant nationwide, according to the Miss Universe Organization.

"It is a lot of work," she said, laughing. "My mom and I were always shopping and then the mock interviews and getting ready and practicing everything and the makeup and hair. Just look at my face!"

Holmgren, who has been dancing since she was 6, says she adores performing in front of crowds and draws strength and joy from the stage.



"Dancing is a good outlet for me. It's how I express myself," she explained. "It's my talent and I want to show people what I can do and how I can give more."'

