Keola Padilla brings back the Miss Teen Alamo crown

Fifteen-year-old Keola Padilla lives in Socorro, but her heart is with her community in Alamo. During the Alamo Indian Days celebration she was crowned Miss Teen Alamo on October 10, a title that had been dormant for several years. Padilla said the title is more than a crown—it’s a chance to impact others.

“I just want to help my elders and the kids,” she said. “I want to make sure everyone is safe and that our community becomes a better place.”

Padilla’s journey began when she decided to run for this year’s Miss Alamo. Though she didn’t win, the organizers recognized her dedication and chose her to revive the Miss Teen title.

“It means a lot to me,” she said. “I get to do something meaningful for my community.”

Outside of her leadership role, Padilla is an active student at Socorro High School who participates in sports like volleyball, basketball, and softball. When she’s not on the court, she enjoys drawing, editing videos, and baking. Her favorite experiments in the kitchen include sugar cookies and pies, a skill she’s inspired to grow after watching her Aunt Ronnie’s pumpkin pies become a family favorite.

Padilla’s mother, Martika Padilla, couldn’t be more proud.

“When she told us she wanted to run, we were shocked,” Martika said. “She’s usually shy, but she said, ‘You always tell me to try new things.’ So we told her, if you’re going to do it, give it your all—and she did.”

As Miss Teen Alamo, Padilla hopes to focus on community needs like improving roads that make it difficult for residents to reach appointments, school, or work during bad weather. She also wants to encourage other youth to stay in school and find positive outlets.

Looking ahead, Padilla dreams of either joining the Marines or attending a university after graduation—two paths that reflect her commitment to service and growth.

Her mother sums it up best: “We cried when she got the title. I ran for Miss Teen years ago, and to see her bringing it back—it’s emotional. That’s my baby, and I’m so proud of her.”