Mr. DHS Xander Bacon's competitors celebrate his victory.
Photo by Ron Harpin.
Contestants of Douglas High School’s Mr. DHS pageant dedicated a portion of the evening to a cat walk and fashion show on March 7.
The money raised during the Mr. DHS pageant has helped support the Safe and Sober Grad Night celebration for seniors since 2007, but for the last two years the pageant has also raised money to support a local non-profit, with this year’s being the Family Support Council.
Inspired by the mission of the International men's march "Walk a Mile in Her shoes," students wanted to bring awareness to domestic violence and incorporated the cat walk into the pageant where the boys dressed in their favorite outfits and heels.
Proceeds from the People's Choice Award were donated to the Family Support Council to support their work with the local women's shelter and families facing issues of domestic violence.
“It’s a way to mix up what goes on during the Mr. DHS pageant and to support and bring awareness to a nonprofit,” said Lamb.
During the “Men in Black” themed pageant, 13 contestants competed for the title of Mr. DHS through “out of this world” talents including one student chugging a pitcher of raw eggs, and another drinking a bottle of lemon juice, while others performed more worldly talents such as dances, singing, lip syncs, and playing instruments.
This year’s people’s choice award was presented to Canyon Ortiz.
“The experience was next to none,” said Ortiz. “13 boys working together to make this fun. Thank you to everyone associated to this event.”
Mr. Congeniality is voted on by fellow contestants to the one who is friendly, helpful, and supportive throughout the pageant preparations and was awarded to Luke Davis.
“Mr. DHS was easily one of the most fun experiences of my entire life,” said Davis. “All of the contestants got so close throughout this experience.”
Xander Bacon was crowned the 2025 Mr. DHS.
“The Mr. DHS experience was amazing,” said Bacon. “The boys were super awesome and it was blast. I want to thank my sister Sophia because she is my best friend and super funny.”
Lamb said the pageant is put on entirely by the students and they deserve all the credit for the success of the event.
“There isn’t a better group,” said Lamb. “They are so detailed orientated, thoughtful, and invested. The staff is dedicated and are always willing to participate and the support of the community is what makes it so successful.”