NEDERLAND — Maura Thibodeaux, a Nederland High School sophomore, was selected to participate in the Miss Texas Teen USA pageant, which runs from Nov. 29 to Dec. 1 in Houston.

Miss Texas Teen USA is the preliminary pageant to the Miss Teen USA pageant. Miss Teen USA is the sister pageant of Miss USA and operates under the umbrella of the Miss Universe Organization.

Maura has been a resident of Nederland her whole life. She has participated as a volunteer for the Hurricane Harvey relief efforts and is the type of person to help in times of need. She has been a regular contestant in the Nederland Heritage Festival pageant for the past five years, having placed every year but one, and most notably placing as First Runner Up.

Maura has also participated in the Relay for Life pageants, most recently winning Most Photogenic for 2019. Maura has performed in annual dance recitals for seven years.

After graduation, she plans to attend college and earn a degree in Planetary Studies.

Maura is seeking sponsorship for this event. In addition to pageant fees, each contestant is responsible to provide her own evening gown, interview attire, and activewear. Any businesses or individuals wishing to sponsor this young lady to help her achieve her goal is encouraged to contact Shelly Wilson at 409-499-5295.

Organizers say beauty pageants continue to motivate many young women to strive to be their best and occupy their time working toward a goal, rather than becoming involved in negative issues that youth face today.