By Melissa Wagoner
Many may remember Silverton High School’s annual spring mock-pageant and fundraiser, Mr. SHS. But what they might not know is that in 2020, just before the COVID-19 pandemic shut down schools, the contest was renamed, The Best Fox Ever, so students of all genders could take part.
“It’s stayed the same other than slowly more girls have participated,” Avery Lord, a member of the Associated Student Body (ASB) organizing the program, said.
In fact, this year the number of girls and boys is evenly split, with six seniors competing overall.
“It’s a big commitment,” Lord said, explaining that, while the final competition won’t take place until April 22, preparations for the event began in January.
“We start off with applications and we interview each person that applies,” fellow organizer Galilea Hernandez said.
“They’re stellar representatives,” ASB Advisor Darby Hector added. “They look for kids that will really pull.”
By which she means donations. Because The Best Fox Ever is – first and foremost – a fundraiser for both Medical Teams International (MTI) and Silverton Area Community Aid (SACA).
“It’s nice that there’s a local piece,” Hector said of the recent addition of SACA.
Determined to raise a minimum of $30,000 by the contest’s end, the participants have already begun fundraising, utilizing personal GoFundMe pages, conducting letter writing campaigns and selling tickets to The Best Fox Ever show as well as coming up with their own side campaigns.
“I’m currently selling baked goods in the hallways,” contestant Oscar Marks said. “I’ll be doing a carwash with the wrestling team in singlets… [and] either a three versus three basketball tournament or cornhole tournament as well.”
It’s a lot of work but for a good cause, as the competitors found out when they visited MTI’s Portland headquarters this winter.
“We have to have each contestant know exactly what they’re fundraising for,” Hernandez said. “And when we went to MTI headquarters they had all these things they’ve done around the world.”
“It raised awareness of how lucky we are,” Hector added.
Heavily supported by the ASB – which is holding a BINGO and Silent Auction on April 13 in the SHS Commons and a carnival on a not yet determined date – The Best Fox Ever is less an individual contest and more a school-wide and community-wide endeavor.
“Best Fox Ever has been an amazing way to get involved with our community members and with my school for my senior year,” contestant Mateo Pardo said.
And, because each participant is matched with a team of two fellow seniors, it’s also a good way to bond with classmates.
“[I]t is fun getting to spend time with some of my friends and getting to do fun fundraisers with them and put on a show for everyone who’d like to come and watch,” contender Manuel Salazar said referring to the April 22 performance which will feature a contestant Q and A, a talent show, a group dance performance and final voting by audience participation.
“It’s such a great cause,” Hernandez said. “And it’s so fun.”
BINGO and Silent Auction
A Best Fox Ever fundraiser. Thursday, April 13, 6 p.m. Silverton High School Commons. Adults $15, students $10
Free potato bar and dessert
The Best Fox Ever Show
A mock-pageant and fundraiser for SACA and Medical Teams International.
Saturday, April 22, 7 p.m. Silverton High School Auditorium
Tickets are $15 and can be purchased from a contestant (Grace Traeger, Mateo Pardo, Josie Liekem, Oscar Marks, Adeline Rich, Manuel Salazar) or at 503-873-6331 ext. 3762
