APRIL 16, 2009 ISSUE
Nearly 30 Contestants Set To Compete in Mr. WHS Pageant April 25
In 2000, Watauga High School teacher and coach Lan O’Laughlin’s son was diagnosed with an aggressive form of liver cancer. O’Laughlin’s many students and athletes wanted to help the coach’s family during their time of need and in conjunction with the student council, pulled together the very first Mr. Watauga High School pageant on short notice.
Since then, the event, which raised more than $4,000 for O’Laughlin during its first year, has become an annual institution and one of the school’s biggest fundraisers.
“It was such a fun event and such a good cause that we decided to keep it going,” said teacher and student council sponsor Leigh Wallace. “It’s a mix of comedy and great entertainment.”
On Saturday, April 25, nearly 30 male students will strut their stuff on stage at the 10th annual Mr. WHS pageant. The event will kick off at 7:00 p.m. in the Watauga High School Auditorium. Tickets are on sale for $15 each, but students will gladly accept donations of any size.
Four faculty and staff judges will observe the pageant contestants throughout three rounds of competition. Following a short dance, each contestant will then participate in the Surf & Turf Wear segment, where students can choose to model athletic or beach clothing. Next, contestants will participate in the Animal Wear portion of the show by donning any animal-related clothing. Last but not least, contestants will have a chance to show off during the Talent Show portion of the contest.
Following the talent show, judges will narrow the field to the final seven contestants. Each finalist will then answer two questions on the spot before the judges crown a winner. In addition to the winner, one contestant will take home the People’s Choice Award, which will be decided during the break by students. People’s Choice votes are $1 each. The Mr. Moneymaker award will be given to the contestant who raises the most money.
According to Wallace, the money raised during the event’s first year was just the beginning. In subsequent years, Mr. WHS has gone on to raise tens of thousands of dollars, including last year’s total of more than $39,000.
“All the money that we raise goes to families associated with Watauga High School and need help,” said Wallace. “Our goal this year is to raise $10,000 for each family.”
Wallace said that contestants are required to raise at least $200 as an entry fee for the pageant. She also requires members of the student council to raise $200 each while soliciting four businesses for $100 donations. Businesses that contribute will have their logo featured in the program at the Mr. WHS event.
The families of Will Dicus, Tim Edwards, Lindsay Johnson, the late Jimmy Roberts and Barney Arnette will benefit from this year’s pageant.
For more information, call Wallace at 828-268-4453. Checks can still be made out to WHS following the contest and sent to Wallace at 400 High School Drive, Boone, NC, 28607.
Want To Go?
Date: Saturday, April 25
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Location: Watauga High School Auditorium
Cost: $15
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