The Mr. Owasso pageant is rocking out!
By Olivia Voth
The entire student body gets hyped for the Mr. Owasso show each year, and the 2022 pageant was no different. The Owasso Pom Squad runs the annual show to raise money for their program, and it’s something to look forward to in the fall for many students! The event took place on the evening of Sept. 13 in the Owasso PAC. Musicians, athletes and scholars alike performing for the crown combined to form a night of entertainment and school pride for a good cause.
Photos of Mr. Owasso contestants and Owasso Varsity POM members by Olivia Voth
Following the opening dance performance of both the Pom and the Mr. Owasso contestants, this year’s performances included a segment for the performers to show club representation, a swimsuit modeling demonstration, a talent show and finally a formal wear round including personal questions randomly drawn out of a fish bowl.
From “Frozen” throwbacks to the battle of two Bob Ross impersonators, the night’s performances were entertaining, to say the least. There were several talented musicians, dancers, magicians and artists during the talent competition.
Photo collage of various Mr. Owasso performances, collage and photos by Olivia Voth
Several performers had their friends involved in their performances as backup dancers or special effects managers. For example, Jonathan Bocanegra (“Mr. Band”) recruited his friends to flutter and parade as snowflakes across the stage for his performance of “Let it Go” (complete with a full Elsa getup: costume, wig, accessories and all), followed by the same students quickly sweeping their snowfall of confetti and streamers off the stage.
In addition, Rio Steinke (“Mr. Bass Drum”) played a drum set to the beat of the popular song “After Party” by Don Toliver, and Steinke’s comrades dressed up as capybaras in onesies and danced with signs, which left the crowd dying with laughter.
Contestants Matt Scott (“Mr. AB Calc”) and Grayson Horsely (“Mr. Soccer”) even performed the iconic “Jingle Bell Rock” scene from the movie “Mean Girls.” Many audience members marveled at the rapture following these iconic and humorous performances.
Senior Sam Russell said cheerfully, “I am so happy that I got to witness Mean Girls on Broadway at Owasso.”
The heartwarming comedy presented in each performance dazzled the viewers, resulting in a vote that proved difficult for judges and audience members alike. However, some spectacular performances certainly stood out.
In the end, the main winners were as follows:
Mr. Owasso: Russell van Deventer, “Mr. Art”
Runner Up: Zerak Weems,“Mr. Physics”
Fan Favorite: Jaden Brown, “Mr. Unified Club”
Russell van Deventer, one of the two Bob Ross impersonation performers, had painted the classic ram logo perfectly upside down, revealing the image by turning his canvas right-side-up following his work. The sense of school spirit enchanted the judges and won him the Mr. Owasso crown.
Photo of Mr. Owasso winner, Russell van Deventer by Olivia Voth
Every contestant put lots of work into their fun and upbeat performances for Mr. Owasso this year. The Pom program was able to receive its funding for the season while providing the students, staff and families with a great experience. It takes great courage to perform on a stage in front of your peers, and each one of the Mr. Owasso contestants met expectations to a tee. Be sure to look forward to next year’s Mr. Owasso performance!