The 2024 Project Graduation committee hopes they have started a new tradition at Warsaw High School.
“Mr. Wildcat” was held on Dec. 14 with competitors who consisted of senior gentlemen. “Mr.Wildcat” ran as a typical pageant with a twist. It was a variety show. There was entertainment such as an opening number, talent show, and other categories the guys competed in. There were a few different crowning opportunities. Including, Mr.Wildcat (The overall winner); Mr.Hollywood (Who ever provides the biggest donation); Mr.Competitive (Talent winner); and Mr.Congeniality (Voted on by fellow contestants). There was also a swimsuit portion and an onstage question.
Senior participants include Nate Griffin, Judah Newell, Shane Poyser, Dakota Todd, Logan Gemes, Drake Murrell, Mason Anderson, Garrett Ferguson, Dakoda Jensen, Jaxson Deckard, Bradley Watson, and Christian Culbertson.
“I brought Mr.Wildcat to Warsaw because I love to start new traditions that can bring our community closer. I judged a different male pageant as a titleholder and thought it was super fun to watch and knew we have a great group of senior boys so they will make sure it’s a good show and bring in good money for our senior class,” senior Tatum Bohl said.
WHS used to host a Mr. Christmas pageant. According to past Ozark Echoes yearbooks, the pageant “brought students together to have fun and relax amid the first semester finals was the goal of the annual Christmas assembly on December 16.” The students would participate in several games, such as a sleeping bag race, a Saran wrap gift surprise, ultimate rock paper scissors, and an ugly sweater contest. While the assembly continues to be a big tradition, after several years, the Mr. Christmas pageant was abandoned and became a part of WHS history.
“I think that Mr. Wildcat is a fun tradition to start,” senior contestant Drake Murrell said.
“Tatum and I had the occasion to attend a Project Grad benefit, such as the one we are planning, and we knew that Warsaw would enjoy this. It was such an entertaining show! I presented the idea to the Project Grad committee and here we are! “Mr. Wildcat” will not only give the seniors, their families, and the community a memorable event, but also provide the committee the opportunity to raise money while having fun at the same time. We hope it is so successful that it will start a new WHS tradition,” event organizer Kim Bohl said.
“I’m getting my outfits together, and working on my talent with Bradley,” participant senior Logan Gemes said weeks before the event.
A subcommittee of the Class of 2025 Project Grad Committee was created to help plan this new fundraising event. They recruited competitors, searched for sponsors, located judges, planned entertainment, and all sorts of other details.
“A lot of preparation is involved and we have fantastic students, great parents, and a supportive community pitching in and we can’t wait to see this competition come alive on stage!” Kim Bohl said.
Much planning went into the event months in advance.
“Since this is our first year holding this benefit, we are planning some details as we go in order to make it the best show possible. We will also be looking for other seniors to help behind the scenes and serve as Ushers the day of the show. We will be selling tickets to attend and concessions will be available,” Kim Bohl said in the weeks leading up to the pageant.
