ZELIENOPLE — Julia Kaluzny’s poise, talent and sparkle at the 12th annual Duquesne Pageant for Make-A-Wish earned her first runner-up status as well as the distinction of being the first Best Buddy invited to participate in the event.

Kaluzny, 23, who has Down syndrome, has been involved with Best Buddies of Duquesne for six years. She and her parents are Zelienople residents.

According to its website, Best Buddies is nonprofit organization dedicated to establishing a global volunteer movement to create opportunities for one-to-one friendships, employment and leadership development for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Kaluzny raised more than $700 in an online fundraising account for her participation in the pageant.

At the Nov. 7 pageant, she answered the emcee’s question on how serving as a Best Buddies ambassador for the past three years has influenced her. For her talent portion, she danced a tango/waltz with an Arthur Murray School of Dance instructor.

Kaluzny was thrilled to be the first Best Buddy to compete in the pageant of 17 girls.

“Oh my God, it was so special,” she said of being asked to be a contestant.

Kaluzny received a huge bouquet of carnations from family and friends after being named first runner-up.

“I was shocked,” she said of hearing her name called.

Her mother, Kimberly Kaluzny, said about 50 family members and friends attended to root for her daughter.

“We were just in amazement,” Kimberly Kaluzny said.

Kaluzny said she was not nervous about the pageant because she is a public speaker for Lifesteps’ Next Steps program, Pennsylvania Connecting Communities and Best Buddies.

“No, I wasn’t nervous,” she said. “I am an advocate for others, and my own person.”

As she told the emcee and pageant audience, Kaluzny said Best Buddies at Duquesne has taught her leadership skills and how to be an ambassador for those with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

She explained she is assigned a Duquesne student who serves as her Best Buddy to hang out with at Best Buddy dances, Pittsburgh sports events and other activities.

“But my favorite is just being together,” she said.

Kaluzny said she is thankful and proud to have Down syndrome.

“I want to be treated like a person with goals and dreams,” she said.

She plans to continue her association with Lifesteps The Next Step in Jackson Township, where she has been exposed to work at TJ Maxx, Walgreens and the Butler County Humane Society.

She hopes to begin working at a day care since child care is her passion.

Her mother said the pageant was thrilling, especially when her daughter was named first runner-up.

“It was a night to remember,” she said.

Kaluzny’s biographical sheet best expresses the attitude that has provided her with her self-described “amazing life.”

“Anything is possible if you work hard to achieve your dreams.”

Her question-and-answer and dance in the pageant can be viewed on www.youtube.com.