The stage is set for one of Klamath Union High School’s most anticipated traditions as the 20th annual Mr. Pelican Pageant returns at 7 p.m. Friday, April 10 at the Ross Ragland Theater.
The long-running, family-friendly event showcases the talent, humor, and creativity of KUHS senior boys, while also serving a greater purpose, raising funds for a local Klamath Falls City Schools child in need.
According to Mr. Pelican coordinator Isabella Armijo, planning for the event begins months in advance.
“Right after we get done with homecoming, the next big thing on our agenda is definitely Mr. Pelican,” Armijo said.
This year’s pageant has already surpassed expectations, with 14 contestants, more than double the typical turnout.
“In the past, our average has been five or six boys,” Armijo said. “This year, by the grace of God, we got 14. That’s a really high number … it inspires the next generation of boys to want to do it.”
Contestants include Talan Chancellor, Gavin Coe, Tildon Coffman, Carter Dahm, Nathan Ferns, Luis Garcia-Guillen, Omar Garcia, Lonmonte Jefferson, Griffin Johnson, Jacob Martin, Luis Meza Bravo, Parker “PJ” Safford, Nathaniel Soriano, and Jason Xu.
Behind the scenes, the Klamath Union Associated Student Body (ASB) plays a critical role in bringing the production to life as students lead various committees that handle everything from coordinating contestants and rehearsals to marketing and outreach.
“We sit down every morning and talk about what progress we’re making, posters, judges, everything,” Armijo said.
ASB leadership includes President Talan Chancellor, who is also competing in the pageant, and Vice President Leona Higgins, who has helped spearhead set design. Other students contribute through script writing, choreography, stage management, and community coordination, highlighting the collaborative nature of the event.
While the structure of Mr. Pelican remains consistent each year, small changes keep it fresh.
“We try to keep it consistent because we know it works,” Armijo said, “but there are always little differences that make it unique as we will have a new master of ceremonies and some familiar judges from last year.”
This year’s beneficiary
Proceeds from this year’s event will support “K.C.,” a four-year-old child with complex medical needs, including autism and respiratory challenges. Funds raised will help provide essential equipment and assist with travel costs for specialized care.
Mr. Pelican ticket information
Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for students, seniors, and military, with children under 10 admitted free.
Tickets are available at www.ragland.org. Community members can donate in support of a contestant for Mr. Pelican at: https://or-klamathfalls-lite.intouchreceipting.com/MRPelican?preview=true
For any other information, contact KU ASB advisor, Rhiannon Kerr at kerrr@kfalls.k12.or.us
