By Melissa Wagoner
It’s Best Fox Ever season at Silverton High School, a time when six members of the senior class go head-to-head in a competition to discover, not only who is the best fox but who can raise the most money for two important nonprofits, Silverton Area Community Aid and Medical Teams International – a nonprofit providing life-saving medical care to people around the world.
“I’m ecstatic to be raising money for a great cause that not only benefits our community, but the entire world,” contestant Arika Rodriguez said. “As a first-generation student with immigrant parents, I understand the hardships that many people can face, and I’m ready to put in the work to make a difference for the better.”
Similarly, Chris Cverna – whose maternal family members live in the Philippines where natural disasters like typhoons are common – was also drawn to the competition because of the funds it raises.
“Humanitarian aid operations similar to those performed today by Medical Teams International helped keep my family alive…” Cverna said. “I would like to take this opportunity given by SHS to raise money for a cause I believe in, and that has impacted my family directly.”
Primarily raising money through the sale of tickets for the contest’s final event – the Best Fox Ever pageant, held in the SHS auditorium Saturday, May 4, 7 p.m. – each contestant has created an Instagram page where they can both sell tickets and receive donations.
“I encourage people to follow my Best Fox Ever Instagram for further updates,” contestant Roman Pack said, “and to watch out for a dash and a song during the performance…”
Because the pageant’s biggest draw is by far the talent contest, which will feature – along with Pack’s musical number – Benjamin Moore (who refers to himself as, “am a man of the people”) performing acrobatic dancing, RJ Marston (“a longtime spokesperson of the Silverton skate community”) conquering his fear of snakes and Kira Bailey (who is “passionate about making a difference”) singing and playing the piano.
“[I]t will be so much fun!” Bailey said.
But for those who can’t make it, there will be other opportunities to support the contestants including, on Saturday, April 20, 6 to 8 p.m. in the SHS Commons, with BINGO and a silent auction.
“Community members of all ages can attend…” ASB Community Relations Officer Paisha Renoud said, listing the entrance fees as $15 for adults and $10 for kids.
Then on Wednesday, April 24, 3:30 to 6 p.m. on the McGinnis Field there will be a Food Truck Festival providing top-notch cuisine, fun drinks and yard games.
“We aim to raise $30,000 this year and need as much community participation as possible,” Renoud wrote in a press release. “Information on all of our fundraisers and general information about Best Fox Ever can be found on both our Silverton High School Facebook and Instagram, as well as the Silverton High School website. This is a long-standing Silverton High School tradition, and we are excited for our 2024 pageant!”
SHS’s Best Fox Ever Competition
For tickets, to find out more information about events or to donate follow this year’s competitors on Instagram at:
• Chris Cverna @christhebestfoxever
• Kira Bailey @kira4bestfoxever
• Arika Rodriguez @arikarodriguez_bestfoxever
• Roman Pack @bestromanever
• Benjamin Moore @benmoorefor_bestfoxever
• RJ Marston @rj4bestfoxever
