On Saturday, December 7, 2024, the West Henderson High School (WHHS) DECA chapter hosted its 3rd Annual Mr. WHHS Pageant. This year’s event was a collaborative effort between Henderson, McDowell, and Watauga counties to raise funds for families affected by Hurricane Helene. The students set an ambitious goal of $30,000 and more than doubled it, raising over $66,000. West Henderson High School alone raised $27,446. .

Forty-one contestants participated, each raising a minimum of $200, while their escorts raised at least $100 each. These efforts, along with generous contributions from individuals and local businesses, made this year’s event a resounding success.

The Mr. WHHS Pageant is an all-male pageant created to support families in the Henderson County Public Schools (HCPS) community who have experienced significant losses or are facing major medical challenges. This year’s pageant expanded its impact, raising funds for families affected by Hurricane Helene in three different counties.

Alison Garrett, marketing teacher and DECA advisor, said “I am constantly inspired by what our students can achieve when they are empowered to take the lead. Their dedication and creativity, combined with the incredible support from our community, make this event truly special. The Mr. WHHS Pageant is a shining example of what happens when people come together for a common purpose, and I couldn’t be more proud of everyone involved.”

Mr. WHHS is a student-run event. Students select the theme, organize backstage operations, manage the light and sound booth, choreograph the opening dance, write the script, create programs, choose decorations, and spearhead fundraising efforts. The event highlights the capabilities and creativity of WHHS students when given the opportunity to shine.

Two-year contestant and senior Holden Hamlin reflected, “Being involved in Mr. WHHS is something special. There is truly nothing like it and the impact we get to make in our community is incredible.” Three-year contestant and senior Jake DeBiase added, “Mr. WHHS allows us to reach out to the community and help others. It’s an overall amazing experience.”         

This year’s theme, “A Holly Jolly Mr. WHHS,” featured competitions in both a “wears” category and a talent showcase. In the “wears” portion, contestants presented their interpretations of their favorite holiday traditions or their favorite cartoon characters. The talent competition included standout acts such as “Synchronized Swimming”, “Bop to the Top”, and a moving rendition of “Carol of the Bells” performed on guitar and violin.

Award Winners:

• Mr. WHHS: Eli Clonch

• People’s Choice: Christian Acosta

• Mr. Sexy Legs: Roscoe Greene

• Mr. Money Maker: Kian Holden and Braydn Ross

• Administrator’s Choice: Brayden Settle, John Dotti, and Jackson Guinn

• Mr. Congeniality: Kian Holden

• Top Five: Christian Acosta, Eli Clonch, John Dotti, Kian Holden, and Tyson Sem

The Mr. WHHS title is determined by a panel of four judges from the school system. This year’s judges were Daniel Holbert, Ashley Toler, Amy Zalevskiy, and Sergey Zalevskiy.

The event was overseen by Alison Garrett, with Jaylen Robinson serving as backstage director. Caroline Frampton, Emma Bryson, Cole Reasoner, and Brandon Shipley acted as stage managers, while Hudson McEntire and Lucas Shuler handled sound and lighting. Sara Kim led the front-of-house team. DECA state officer Aubrey Garrett and DECA member Elijah Furr emceed the event, and the opening dance was choreographed by Cole Reasoner.

Special thanks to Big Frog Custom T-Shirts & More for donating and printing the event t-shirts, to Braydn Ross for creating the “Man Enough” video and to The Henderson County Education Foundation for providing invaluable support by managing the online donation site and tracking contributions.

This pageant is a testament to what students can achieve when they come together for a meaningful cause.

The following students competed in the pageant along with their escorts:

Senior Contestants:

Christian Acosta escorted by Alex Pickard

Brayden Barksdale escorted by Harper Sikorski

Seth Buttry escorted by Alysia Madera

Carson Cathey escorted by Peyton Lindsey

Drew Chavez escorted by Katelyn Day

Eli Clonch, escorted by Rylee Lecker

Jake DeBiase escorted by Campbell Riddell

John Dotti escorted by Addison Simpson

Nathan Gambrell escorted by Jamie Wright

Roscoe Greene escorted by Charlot Anne Jackson

Holden Hamlin escorted by Noelle Houllihan

Isaac Hendrix escorted by Raelie Melton

Kian Holden escorted by Sofie Ruzich

Royce Johnston escorted by Kaia Filipovic

Dellen Mel escorted by Lily Barrett

Tyson Sem escorted by Allison Justus

Brayden Settle escorted by Emery Sprouse

Cameron Simons escorted by Emily Young

Bennett Spray escorted by Kinley Andress

Zach Stanley escorted by Emma Bryson

Neil Robinson escorted by Nyla Carroll

 

Junior Contestants:

Jackson Boughtner escorted by Makenna Norman

Lucas Cook escorted by Kaeley O’Malley

Jackson Guinn escorted by Haylee Bader

Matthew Lupo escorted by Elliot Holliday

Jake McCrimmon escorted by Bailey Sosha

Brady Merrill escorted by Abigail Garnett

Braydn Ross escorted by Ailah Mihner

Colson Ross escorted by Arden Sullivan

Elijah Shreffler escorted by Haley Littrell

Josh Sorrell escorted by Alexis Henline

Stratton Taylor escorted by Kailey Chavez

 

Sophomore Contestants:

Grant Angel escorted by Liz Cano

Chase Childers escorted by Alaya Tessnair

Daniel DeBiase escorted by Lillie Thompson

Ethan Roth escorted by Morgan English

 

Freshmen Contestants:

Obie Greene escorted by Kaiya Gritsavage

Kamden Holliday escorted by Peyton Carpenter

Noah Howard escorted by Lexy Mannon

Raymond Lecker escorted by Kaili Lewis

Brady McCollin escorted by June Scontras

 

The West Henderson High School DECA Chapter would like to thank the following businesses and organizations who donated financially or created raffle baskets:

 

Arby’s (DECA Platinum Level Partner), the Givens Estate (DECA Gold Level Partner), Big Frog Custom T-Shirts & More, Bash & Co. Salon, Norafin, Bed & Breakfast on Tiffany Hill, Blue Ridge Expressions, Gift Baskets by Melissa, Cano Wealth Strategies, LLC, Hamlin Creative, Blue Ridge Real Estate, Postero, Flat Rock Playhouse, Air Vent Exteriors, Council on Aging for Henderson County, Western Carolina Tool & Mold, and Arsenal Pest Management. 

 

We would also like to thank the following schools for their financial support or donation of a raffle basket: Atkinson Elementary, Clear Creek Elementary, Dana Elementary, East Henderson High School, Etowah Elementary, Flat Rock Middle School, Glenn C. Marlow Elementary, Henderson County Career Academy, Henderson County Early College, Hendersonville Elementary, Hendersonville High School, Hillandale Elementary, Sugarloaf Elementary, Rugby Middle School, and West Henderson High School.