Photo Credit to Pat Shrader with Blue Ridge Expressions
On Saturday, November 15, 2025, the West Henderson High School (WHHS) DECA chapter 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.
38 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.
Alison Garrett, marketing teacher and DECA advisor, said “This program showcases what leadership looks like in real life. 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 R.
People’s Choice: Cole R.
Mr. Sexy Legs: Cole R.
Mr. Money Maker: Braydn R. (raised over $10,000!)
Family’s Choice: Ruston L., Brady M., Colson R.
Mr. Congeniality: Braydn R.
Top Five: Eli C., Jackson G., Brady M., Cole R., Elijah S.
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 Alison Garrett, with Caroline Frampton serving as backstage and overall show director. Una F., Colee H., Lauren K., and Olivia R. acted as stage managers, while Lucas S. and Alex T. handled sound and lighting. Pherson J. led the front-of-house team. WHHS DECA President Aubrey G. and WHHS DECA VP of Finance Zach C. emceed the event, and the opening dance was choreographed by Cole R.and Railey L.
Special thanks to our WHHS DECA Platinum partner, Chick-Fil-A Airport Road, to 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, to Blue Ridge Real Estate for feeding our contestants the night of the show, 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 West Henderson High School DECA Chapter would like to thank the following businesses and organizations who donated financially or created raffle baskets:
AAA Storage World
Auto Advantage
Agribusiness Henderson County
Air Vent Exteriors
Alpha Fitness
Associated Land Surveyors & Planners, PC
Bash & Co Salon
Benton Roofing
Big Frog Custom T-Shirts & More
BK Construction Company
Blue Ridge Expressions, Photography by Pat Shrader
Blue Ridge Real Estate
BroadCraft Construction & Development
Caroline Albea Orthodontics
Chick-Fil-A Airport Road
Construction Specialities & Design Builders, Inc.
Flat Rock Playhouse
Flavor 1st Growers & Packers
Gonce Builders
Harry Deaton Interiors
Horizon Heat & Air
Hot Dog World
Jersey Mike’s Subs
JG Benchmark VO Solutions, LLC
JMK Builders, LLC
Lawing & Son Site Contractor
Mountain View Greenhouse
Postero
Reid & Reid Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics
Root & Bone
Shine
Stuller Power Solutions
Tarheel Lanes
The Unity Church
Thorsland Concrete & Construction
Western Carolina Tool & Mold
We would also like to thank the following schools for their financial support or donation of a raffle basket:
Atkinson Elementary School
Clear Creek Elementary School
Dana Elementary School
Etowah Elementary School
Glenn C. Marlow Elementary School
Hendersonville Elementary School
Hillandale Elementary School
Mills River Elementary School
Sugarloaf Elementary School
Flat Rock Middle School
Rugby Middle School
East Henderson High School
Hendersonville High School
West Henderson High School
Henderson County Public School System
