By Sheldon Traver
When Dakota Parmley looked up at a replica of a 25-foot tsunami wave at Medical Teams International headquarters on March 1, he was awed at its size and capacity for destruction.
When he learned the 2011 earthquake near Japan created a tsunami that was an estimated 90-feet high in some areas and destroyed entire cities, he knew why he had to raise as much money as he could so the non-profit could fulfill its mission.
April 15 marks the 13th year that Silverton High School will hold the Mr. SHS pageant. It is part variety and talent show, but most of all, it is a fundraiser for Medical Teams International. Eight SHS seniors are working diligently to gather donations toward their $22,000 goal. More than $140,000 has been donated to MTI since the event began.
“We want to do something that helps the world,” said Heather Bashor, the ASB coordinator at SHS. “Medical Teams International is a great cause and are in Portland.”
Approximately 20 prospective Mr. SHS seniors were interviewed by 20 SHS female students and one faculty member before being winnowed down to the final eight. Besides Parmley, Mr. SHS 2017 contestants include Nich Tokarski, Shon Ackermann, Ulises Salazar, Daniel Bennett, Hosea Catterall, Jaiden Davis and Coleton Myers. Those selected had to not only commit to rehearsals and the pageant, but also to do their best to raise $2,000 each through fundraisers.
The means to that end have included nights to dine out at area restaurants with a portion of profits going toward the effort, Krispy Kreme donut sales, ticket sales, prize donations from businesses and more. Bennett said he was excited to be selected.
“I knew it was like this super big event and I’ve always wanted to be part of it,” he said. “I really wanted to do something exciting for my senior year so I decided this was the best way to go out and make a difference.”
Parmley plans to graduate from SHS with his associates degree and was nervous about the time commitment.
Silverton High School Theater
1456 Pine St.
April 15, 7 p.m.
Tickets: $10 from any contestant
or at the door.
Silverton High School cafeteria
1456 Pine St.
April 13, 6 p.m.
$10 admission includes dinner
and four bingo cards. Prizes.
“I’d sit there at night and wonder if this is something I really should do,” he said. “Then I thought it was for a really awesome cause so I decided to try to do it and see how much money I could raise.”
Mr. SHS attendees can expect laughs as the contestants showcase their talents. These include Bennett performing a mixed-media scene from Jurassic Park, Parmley giving a mock presidential candidate speech, and Myers performing a workout routine with a twist. Bashor said it will be well-worth the cost of admission.
“Even if you have been to Mr. SHS in the past, each one is a new experience,” Bashor said. “It’s going to be a lot of fun for a great cause.”
