Mr. WHS
For the past sixteen years, Watauga High School has held their Mr. WHS pageant to raise money in support of local families in need. This event is a male beauty pageant where students compete for the coveted title of Mr. WHS by wowing the audience with their creativity through the wear portion of the show, and entertaining them with an array of different talents they’ve perfected before the show.
This was a record breaking year for Mr. WHS. There was a total of 35 boys competing for the crown, over double the amount we have had in the past, and the show was completely sold out, meaning over 500 tickets were sold, something that has never happened in Mr. WHS history. Thanks to the combined efforts of the boys, and Watauga High School Student Council, along with the generous donations made by various local businesses, $15,000 was raised from the “Swinter” themed pageant to be donated to two families in the community in need.
In addition to the impressive financial efforts, the show in itself was a major success. Talents ranged from an interpretive dance on hoverboards, to more serious acts like vocal performances. When asked what his favorite part of the show was, second year participant, senior, Clay Burchell said “probably learning the dance, because we get to goof off together before the show starts.”
After the showing of the “man enough” videos that each contestant had made, the pageant is always kicked off with an opening dance choreographed by this year’s senior pacer officer and student body president, Emma Carder. The boys ran out wearing white tank tops and short (maybe a little too short) jean shorts and danced to the always fun “California Girls” by Katy Perry and “Burnin’ Up” by the Jonas Brothers. This had the audience howling. The show was continued by the wear categories, in which the boys and their escorts dressed up according to how they answered the questions “What is your favorite summer activity?” and “What is your best summer memory?.” The outfits ranged from blow-up dinosaur suits to Statue of Liberty costumes, all resulting in both the audience and judges’ approval.
Host, Meghan Smith, said “it’s a great pageant because it’s fun to see the guys step out of their boxes and comfort zones but even better, it helps the community and is appreciated by the families in need.” The show is always a success, but this year it was more special than usual because one of the recipients of the profits was Watauga High School’s very own , Elayne Bishop. Mrs. Bishop is a well known and loved teacher at the high school, so being able to support her through her battle against breast cancer was very meaningful for the community.
With yet another successful show under their belt, Watauga Student Council is excited for more shows to come and only hopes to see the pageant grow each year. This tradition has become a local favorite and continues to reflect the kindness and selflessness displayed in the community.
