Serving Boone, Blowing Rock, Banner Elk, and other towns of the North Carolina High Country
Founded 05-05-05
March 22, 2007 issue
Pageant Fundraiser Benefits Local Family
Story by Kathleen McFadden
On Saturday, March 24, the Watauga High School Student Council will present the seventh annual Mr. WHS Pageant at 7:00 p.m., and the community is invited to attend and cheer on their favorite dude. Although seats in the auditorium may be sold out—the male beauty pageant is a popular event with the students—a big screen TV will be set up in the overflow room for everyone who can’t get a seat in the auditorium. Tickets are $12 for the auditorium and $8 for the overflow room.
But this event isn’t just a chance to see 25 pageant hopefuls strut their stuff through the swimsuit, formal wear and talent competitions. Although the spectacle is loads of fun, this pageant has a most worthy purpose: raising money for a local family going through tough times.
The proceeds from this year’s pageant will benefit the Clemo Family. All five family members—the parents and three children—have dire medical problems, and all but one of the family have had or have cancer that may be the result of radioactive contamination from the Chernobyl disaster. In 1985, before their children were born, the Clemos were stationed in northern Germany, and heavy rains deposited fallout from the Chernobyl meltdown on the town.
Along with their unimaginable medical expenses, the Clemo Family is having difficulty with day-to-day expenses.
Leading the way in the fundraising, the members of the WHS Student Council and the young men in the pageant each raise and contribute at least $100 to the cause. Ticket sales boost the total, along with the proceeds from the silent auction. Pageant attendees will have the chance to bid on a number of donated items, including artwork, pottery and a variety of gift certificates from local businesses, and they can also pay $1 to vote for their favorite guy to win the People’s Choice Award.
Up on the stage, the guys will be competing for a variety of honors, including Mr. Congeniality, Most Money Raised and the ultimate title, Mr. WHS.
Folks who can’t attend the pageant but would like to help the Clemo Family can send tax-deductible contributions to Watauga High School, 400 High School Road, Boone, NC 28607.
Date: Saturday, March 24
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Location: Watauga High School
Cost: $12 auditorium seats/$8 overflow room seats