71-Year-old Competing in Miss Texas USA Pageant

A 71-year-old from El Paso is Competing in Miss Texas making history this weekend as the oldest contestant in the Miss Texas USA pageant. El Pasoan Marissa Teijo will make history this weekend as the oldest contestant in the Miss Texas USA pageant. Teijo is 71.

Marissa Teijo is slated to compete in the pageant in Houston. The winner will go on to represent Texas in the Miss USA competition. Miss USA goes on to compete in Miss Universe.

The Miss Universe organization lifted rules to be more inclusive by removing age limits for contestants vying for the crown this year. Contestants can now also be married, pregnant, or divorced. The organization has drawn intense scrutiny in recent months after the resignations of Miss USA and Miss Teen USA in May. But that hasn’t dissuaded Teijo.

In an email, she said she wanted to relay that it is never too late to chase your dreams.

“I feel that all women now have a new stage of opportunity, strength, and beauty,” Teijo said.

El Pasoan Marissa Teijo will make history this weekend as the oldest contestant in the Miss Texas USA pageant. Teijo is 71. — 71 Year old Competing in Miss Texas

With nearly 100 women competing against her, she said she’s never felt more motivated to chase her dream.

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Born and raised in El Paso, Teijo says she’s excited to inspire El Pasoans and Texans to break barriers in their fields of interest, regardless of age.

Jackie Garcia-Martinez, CEO of Bazaar Models, who represents Teijo, said the agency is proud to represent diverse women. Seven other young women from El Paso will compete in the pageant.

“I represent women of all shapes, ages, and races. As I prepare my team to compete at Miss Texas, I’m thrilled to support these women who inspire me as a leader every day,” she said.

María Cortés González may be reached at mcortes@elpasotimes.com, @EPTMaria on Twitter; eptmariacg on TikTok.

Who was Miss Texas in 1971? Winners

Year	Name	Hometown
1971	Brenda Box	Amarillo
1970	Diane Swendeman	San Antonio
1969	Sandy Drewes	Dallas
1968	Jeannie Wilson	Dallas

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Who is the most recent Miss Texas?

Winners

Year	Name	Age
2023	Ellie Breaux	22
2022	Averie Bishop	26
2021	Mallory Fuller	23
2019–20	Chandler Foreman	22

For Miss Texas – 18-28 – must be 18 by state competition, and no older than 27 at state competition. For Miss Texas’ Teen – 14-17 – must be 14 by state competition and no older than 17 at state competition. Be a United States citizen.

What is the youngest age to be in a pageant?

Rules

Age Divisions: The age division that you compete in is based on your age the day of the event. …
Baby Division: Baby (0-14 mo), Toddler (15 mo-2), Tiny (3-4)
Youth Division: Little (5-6), Mini (7-9), Junior (10-12),
Young Miss Division: Teen (13-15), Miss (16-20),

The pageant, 71-Year-old competing in Miss Texas has shattered numerous boundaries and limitations, embracing individuals regardless of their marital status, age, and even gender, as they warmly welcome transgender contestants. It has truly become an open playing field for all.

In a groundbreaking turn of events, 2024 marked a historic milestone for the Miss USA pageant. For the first time ever, married women were given the opportunity to compete, shattering the long-standing gender barrier. Among the remarkable contestants, Bailey Anne Kennedy, a military wife hailing from Cambodia, emerged as the newly crowned Miss Maryland, etching her name in the annals of history. Bailey’s victory was not just a triumph for herself, but a triumph for all married women, Asian Americans, and transgender individuals. In one fell swoop, she shattered not one, but three records, leaving an indelible mark on the pageant world.

However, as impressive as Bailey’s achievements were, another contestant, Marissa Teijo, brought her own unique story to the stage. Despite being the oldest contestant ever to grace the Miss USA pageant, Marissa fearlessly pursued her dreams, defying societal expectations. While her journey may not have garnered the same attention as Bailey’s groundbreaking win, it is nonetheless a significant moment for the pageant industry. With controversies and scandals plaguing the industry for years, Marissa’s presence serves as a beacon of hope and resilience.

Both Bailey and Marissa’s journeys exemplify the spirit of determination and courage that defines the Miss USA pageant. They have proven that age, marital status, and gender identity should never be barriers to pursuing one’s dreams. Their stories will undoubtedly inspire countless individuals to embrace their true selves and strive for greatness, regardless of societal norms.

Teijo may not have clinched the title, but she certainly defied age stereotypes and paved the way for other septuagenarians to follow suit. Jackie Garcia-Martinez, CEO of Bazaar Models, proudly represents the 71-year-old contestant, emphasizing the agency’s commitment to diversity. “I stand by women of all ages, sizes, and ethnicities. As we gear up for Miss Texas, I am excited to champion these remarkable women who continue to motivate me as a leader,” she expressed.

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