A 71-year-old woman made history as a contestant in Miss Texas USA. Marissa Teijo, from El Paso, may not have won the crown, but she became the oldest contestant to ever grace the pageant stage.
Marissa Teijo has become a symbol of inspiration and diversity in the world of beauty pageants. Hailing from El Paso, Texas, Teijo was the first senior contestant in the history of the Miss Texas pageant, challenging traditional beauty standards and proving that age is just a number.
Marissa Teijo’s participation in the Miss Texas USA Pageant
Marissa, who surprised everyone with her youthful appearance, looks as if she is only 40, according to comments on social media. At the recent pageant held at the Hilton Houston Post Oak Hotel, Teijo not only participated but also captured the attention and admiration of many.
She closed her participation with 114 votes through the contest’s digital platform but won the admiration of many more. Teijo’s participation in Miss Texas was made possible by recent changes to Miss Universe rules, which now allow married, divorced, pregnant women, and women of all ages to compete. This move towards greater inclusion reflects a shift in the understanding of beauty today, opening the doors to a broader diversity of contestants.
Teijo expressed her excitement about this new chapter in her life on her social media: “I am thrilled to be part of this incredible new experience as a contestant in the Miss Texas pageant. By doing so, I hope to inspire women to strive to be better and believe that beauty exists at any age.”
Although she did not win the title— which went to Aarienna Ware of Dallas— Marissa Teijo’s participation was historic. Teijo, who represented not only older women but also those who defy societal expectations, showed that beauty and charm do not diminish with time.
Her presence in the pageant was praised by both participants and spectators, sparking a healthy debate about age and beauty perceptions in our society. Marissa Teijo’s participation is a call to reconsider traditional perceptions and celebrate diversity and inclusion at all stages of life.
Miss Texas USA Pageant Information
The MISS TEXAS USA and MISS TEXAS TEEN USA pageants are the official state preliminaries in the world’s most prestigious pageant system: MISS USA ® / MISS UNIVERSE ®. Considered one of the most anticipated events of the year, our pageant promises glamour, excitement, high-level competition, and an incredible prize package that includes tens of thousands of dollars in cash, jewelry, wardrobe, travel, a new car, and the prestigious title of MISS TEXAS USA and MISS TEXAS TEEN USA for a year.
The competition is divided into three categories: Evening Gown, Personal Interview, and Swimsuit (Sportswear for Teen contestants). Judges are looking for a well-rounded winner. The winner may not be the best in any single category but can score well across all categories. Judging is based on poise, personality, intelligence, and beauty.
There is no talent competition and no experience is required. In addition to selecting MISS TEXAS USA or MISS TEXAS TEEN USA, awards will be given to the winner of Swimsuit or Sportswear, Most Photogenic, People’s Choice, and Miss Congeniality.
NEW RULE CHANGE: Starting with the Miss Texas USA 2023 pageant, women who are or have been married, as well as women who are pregnant or have children, are allowed to compete. This rule change does not apply to the Miss Texas Teen USA pageant or its contestants.
What do you think of the new beauty pageant rules and Marissa’s participation?
