Seattle teen to be first Miss Washington Teen USA contestant with Down syndrome

Raechel Benson is 17 and has Down syndrome, but that hasn’t stopped her from pursuing her passion for acting, singing and fashion design.

SEATTLE – Raechel Benson said her superpower is the ability to make friends, as well as love and kindness. Her parents said she had never had anything negative to say about anyone and was always optimistic.

Raechel is 17 years old and has Down syndrome. But that doesn’t hold them back. She is currently sophomore at Shorewood High School in Shoreline and said she was on her way to becoming a fashion designer. Resume highlights include acting, singing, athletics, and even girl scouts.

The pandemic has not dampened their mood. In fact, she is currently preparing for a unique challenge. On March 26th, Raechel will run as the first Miss Washington Teen USA with Down Syndrome candidate for North Seattle.

Pageants NW has been producing the Pageant for decades and Raechel has been very supportive this year. Maureen Francisco is co-executive producer on Pageants NW and said Raechel was showing other attendees what real trust looks like.

The beauty is deep in Raechel and that’s why her mother, Paula, said she was happy to include her daughter in the pageant.

“It’s a beauty pageant, but I know it’s really high-performing young women who want to be reached,” said Paula Benson.

Their daughter’s acceptance and support made Paula and her husband Andrew excited to get involved. Advocating for children with disabilities led Raechel to gymnastics, basketball, tennis, scouts, actors, and competitions in the Special Olympics.

Paula said the involvement and support throughout the process has been overwhelming. Raechel has already conducted interviews with the Zoom judges and submitted recordings in her evening dress. She even submitted a sample of her singing.

Raechel said she intends to study fashion design at Shoreline Community College after graduating from high school. She said she thinks the pageant is a great way to combine many of her passions.

The final for the Miss Washington USA and Miss Washington Teen USA Pageants is scheduled for March 21st. You can root for Raechel and select it in the People’s Choice category online at by clicking here.