Community News

Mr. WHHS Pageant raises $33,480 for families in need

By Lightning Reports, Published: December 8, 2025

The West Henderson High School DECA chapter in November hosted its 4th annual Mr. WHHS Pageant, bringing “Disco Fever” to the stage and raising $33,480 to support three local HCPS families in need.

Thirty-eight 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 supported the Glynn, Lord, and Robles-Velez Families. 

“This program showcases what leadership looks like in real life," said Alison Garrett, marketing teacher and DECA adviser. "The students take charge from start to finish, proving that when young people are given responsibility, they rise to the occasion. Their commitment to serving our community through Mr. WHHS is something I’m incredibly proud of.”

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.  

This year’s theme, “Disco Fever” featured competitions in both a “wears” category and a talent showcase. In the “wears” portion, contestants presented their interpretations of their grooviest night on the town or their favorite superhero. The talent competition included standout acts such as “Ninja Turtle Rap/Dance”, “Bohemian Rhapsody Chickens”, and a moving dance performance.

Award Winners:

• Mr. WHHS: Cole Reasoner
• People’s Choice: Cole Reasoner
• Mr. Sexy Legs: Cole Reasoner
• Mr. Money Maker: Braydn Ross (raised over $10,000!)
• Family’s Choice: Ruston Lecker, Brady Merrill, Colson Ross 
• Mr. Congeniality: Braydn Ross
• Top Five: Eli Craft, Jackson Guinn, Brady Merrill, Cole Reasoner, Elijah Shreffler

The Mr. WHHS title is determined by a panel of four judges from the school system. This year’s judges were Ryan Anderson, Jodie Baker, Caroline Galvan and Officer Steve Ridgeway, all WHHS faculty and staff members.

The event was overseen by Ms. Garrett, with Caroline Frampton serving as backstage and overall show director. Una Fong, Colee Higgins, Lauren Koch and Olivia Rector acted as stage managers, while Lucas Shuler and Alex Torres handled sound and lighting. Pherson Jordan led the front-of-house team. WHHS DECA President Aubrey Garrett and WHHS DECA VP of Finance Zach Cone emceed the event, and the opening dance was choreographed by Cole Reasoner and Railey Luce.

Special thanks to WHHS DECA Platinum partner Chick-Fil-A Airport Road, Grant Adkins and Dennis Lyda for filming the show, 1st Choice Graphics for printing the event t-shirts, Pat Schrader at Blue Ridge Expressions for taking and donating hundreds of photographs of the evening, Blue Ridge Real Estate for feeding our contestants the night of the show and the Henderson County Education Foundation for managing the online donation site and tracking contributions.