A fan-favorite Adams tradition, the Mr. Highlander pageant, has been canceled for the class of 2024, despite just making its return this past year.
Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, Mr. Highlander was a staple event for Adams seniors. The event showcased 15 senior boys who competed in a series of competitions such as a dance contest, swimsuit contest, talent show, and interview. The winner of these competitions, in addition to an audience vote, receives the Mr. Highlander title, along with two free prom tickets.
The initial nomination form went out on December 13 by senior class advisor Mrs. Wilson. Seniors were given a few days to submit nominations for senior boys who they hoped to see participate in the pageant. After receiving the nominations, rehearsals for the event began a few days later.
Disappointingly, the lack of participation and enthusiasm from the participants led to the event being canceled on January 29, a mere week before the event was meant to be held.
“Unfortunately, we are going to have to cancel the Mr. Highlander event for next Wednesday, February 7th. I have tried to get 15 contestants (we have to have at least 15-20) for this event, and we are down to 6. I appreciate the ones that have rehearsed and wanted to be a part of this event for the senior class of 2024. It just is not going to work with only having 6 [participants] and making this event successful,” wrote Mrs. Wilson in the AHS Class of 2024 Google Classroom.
Much of the senior class of 2023 was ecstatic when the pageant returned last year. After the success of the event’s return, the cancellation has been both surprising and disappointing for this year’s senior class.
“Since I went to Mr. Highlander my junior year of high school [2023], I was so excited to see Mr. Highlander for the class of 2024. When I found out that it was canceled on my Google Classroom, I was devastated. I am so utterly disappointed,” said senior Olivia Dance.
While the lack of participation was disappointing to the student body, it was even more disheartening to the participants who have been working tirelessly for the past weeks of rehearsals.
“I was devastated… I shed tears all over my bed. I was upset because I was really excited to do it… Plus I wanted to get that free prom ticket,” said Gonzalo Emmanuel Pena Cardenas.
Despite this saddening cancellation, the class of 2024 has a number of events to look forward to in the coming months. It is the hope of many that the tradition can be reintroduced next year by the class of 2025.
