Mr. Owasso: Easily the Grooviest Male Pageant Around
By Brodie Patrick
Passion, fashion, talents and tricks: the 16th annual Mr. Owasso pageant truthfully had it all. Held at the Mary Glass Performing Arts Center on Tuesday, Sept. 14 for the benefit of Owasso Varsity Pom, a talented lineup of twenty Owasso senior boys volunteered to compete in an amusing showcase of acts. From originally written rap songs to excellently choreographed dance scenes, the variety of talent encapsulated the crowd for hours. [picture]
Segmented into five categories, the contestants took to the stage in 70’s themed attire in hopes of being crowned “Mr. Owasso.” Firstly, the show began with an opening dance number supported by the excellent OHS Pom and followed by a comical introduction of all the contestants. Next, contestants competed in a highly anticipated “talent show” and swimwear contest. Finally, the pageant concluded with the boys dressed in their finest clothes to answer questions.
The real entertainment began much earlier, though. Before the show had even started, the contestants participated in short interviews.
When asked about his reasoning behind competing in the pageant, this year’s “Mr. Outfield,” Solo Skalnik, exclaimed, “It’s my personal responsibility to represent Coach Turner and his,” and I quote, “dawgs.”
Photo of Solo Skalnik (center), Baylor Corbin (right) taken by Brodie Patrick
Alleged World Record qualifying cup-stacking stole the show, and after careful deliberation by the panel of judges, “Mr. Boy Scout” Marshall Henderson was announced, Mr. Owasso.
With a smile on his face, Henderson shared his initial thoughts, “[I felt] Excitement; I didn’t expect to win it.” Henderson then went on to admit, “This is a trade secret. The entire act I did was improv.
Photo of Marshall Henderson as Mr. Owasso taken by Brodie Patrick
The talent was varied and many contestants gave Henderson a run for his money. This list includes the Mr. Owasso runner-ups—
“Mr. FFA,” Spencer Mckillip, clad in cowboy attire, did a tasteful speed-draw of a horse.
“Mr. Track,” Ian Busking, shocked the entire crowd with his incredible secret dancing talent.
“Mr. Wrestling,” Isaiah Sells, mesmerized the crowd with his beautiful singing voice. [picture]
Mr. Owasso serves as a yearly fundraiser for OHS Pom. However, due to covid, the pageant was not able to be held last year.
This year served as the beloved pageant’s awaited return, and Owasso senior Jazzy Facey expressed, “If they don’t continue Mr. Owasso I will cry real tears.”
If you happened to miss this year’s fantastic Mr. Owasso performance, be sure to join us for next year!