Mr. SHS contestants tour hospital

Each year the Mr. SHS (Sisters High School) pageant raises money for Doernbecher Children's Hospital. To bring the impact of the work home, contestants visited the facility last week.

"The purpose of the trip is to let the students see what they're actually raising money for," said Michelle Herron, SHS leadership advisor. "They're able to see what kinds of services Doernbecher provides for sick children and their families."

The contestants have not always taken a tour of the hospital. In 1999, the first year the pageant was held, the students did not get this opportunity.

Herron said, "We felt our students were a little removed from the purpose of the event. We wanted to help them see the bigger picture and so the following year we started taking a tour of the hospital facilities prior to the pageant. They were able to see what they were fundraising for and see why it's a valuable charity."

This year marked the third year contestants have had the opportunity to see firsthand where their fundraising efforts are going.

The trip always seems to leave a definite impression on the students and helps them focus in on their real goal.

Senior Lucas Denzer thought the tour was "pretty cool." He said, "It was very unique and very different from other children's hospitals around. The people at Doernbecher really put a lot of effort into really making it comfortable for the kids. It doesn't even really seem like a hospital."

Denzer added, "One thing we didn't have opportunity to do was actually visit with some of the patients, and I know we all would have liked to have been able to that. But, it was great to have the chance to see what we're raising money for."

Josh Rodriguez was another contestant who enjoyed the tour.

"The facility is amazing," said Rodriquez, "and there are so many different facets and places for kids and their families.

"It's an upbeat place, and you don't get that feeling you usually get when you go into a hospital. My hope is that people really come out to the pageant and support our efforts for Doernbecher."

Hannah Simmons, co-chair for the event, said, "One of the most unique things at the hospital is the artwork. It's specifically there for the children to see, touch and play on. What impressed me was the $600,000 anonymous grant that was given specifically to be used for artwork.

"In the main waiting room there are random objects, including large pieces of fruit, that the children can actually touch and climb on. Each department in the hospital is marked by a specific animal, whether it be a frog, monkey, starfish, etc. Even the elevators are easily recognizable by the kangaroo above them. It's great for the kids and also helpful to families who don't speak English," said Simmons.

The Mr. SHS pageant will be held Saturday night, February 22, at the Sisters High School Cafetorium.

Tickets are $5 at the door for adults and $3 for children ages 6 through 10.

Children under six are admitted free.

The young men, along with their escorts, will model prom formal wear from many of the area's retailers.

All proceeds from the event will go to expansion of a cancer development area at Doernbecher's Children's Hospital.

Those who are unable to attend but would like to donate may call 549-4045.