Callan crowned Mr. SHS

The crown was awarded to senior Eli Callan, but the standing ovation went to all the contestants, escorts, parents, family members, friends and community supporters who participated in this year's Mr. SHS competition.

Over $18,000 was raised to donate to Portland's Doernbecher Children's Hospital. Perhaps the need to contribute hit home this year as Sisters High School graduate Monica Offield will receive a new kidney at Doernbecher.

Perhaps some wanted to express appreciation for what Doernbecher has done in the past for other Sisters children. A current Sisters High School student spent the first year of his life at Dorenbecher.

"A young man from our community recently had major surgery there, and a former student of mine ... from another school is now recovering from heart surgery at Doernbecher Children's Hospital," said Sisters High School Activities Director and Mr. SHS producer Sally Taylor-Pillar.

For whatever the reason, the school raised more than double the amount it did last year. It raised more than twice as much as it did in the past two years, and 18 times the amount it did the first year it hosted the Mr. SHS competition.

"We're very proud of this," said Taylor-Pillar.

This year is the eighth year that Sisters High School has participated in Doernbecher's "Kids Making Miracles" program. Through the program students in grades K-12 all over Oregon develop creative fund-raising campaigns to support the hospital's needs such as biomedical research laboratories, equipment updates, recruitment of top medical professionals and uncompensated care.

Mr. SHS contestants are judged on the amount of money each raises with the help of his escort; on the group dance that contestants perform together; on each contestant's individual talent; on each contestant's preliminary interview question; on each individual's modeling of formal wear; and on each finalist's final interview questions.

Eight contestants with the help of their escorts participated in this year's fund-raising competition: Eli Callan with his escort Tara Hermens raised $3,446; Travis Ehrenstrom and his escort Cathryn Powell raised $2,629; Jacob Evan with his escort Jena Rickards raised $3,470; Jeremy Evans and his escort Tori Carlson raised $1,365; Michael Garcia, helped by his escort Aubrey Kelleher, raised $813; Miles Johnston with his escort Laura Chiaravalle raised $735; Jake Kleint, with his two escorts Aubyn Geser and Jen Friend raised $2,272; and Stefan Redfield, and his escort Mären Burck, raised $1,005.

Principal Bob Macauley commended all of the contestants and their escorts for all they did to make the event a success.

"It's pretty rewarding to watch the kids," he said.

Macauley added in jest that, "It's really the escorts who are doing all of the work - just like real life."

The evening did not pass without a few moments being set aside to thank the nine escorts for all they had done to make this year's fund-raiser a success.

"Without their help, this show would not be complete," said Mistress of Ceremonies Lanie Milroy. Then, one was singled out and recognized for the spirit and inspiration she contributed to the event. Jena Rickards was chosen this year's Miss Congeniality.

Next, Mr. Congeniality was honored. Touted for giving "110 percent" during the months of the competition, Miles Johnston was awarded the title of Mr. Congeniality.

The Sisters High School Leadership Committee organizes the event, and staff nominate the juniors and/or seniors who compete for the title of Mr. SHS.

This year's judges were: Kyle Rickards, the 2006 Mr. SHS (the first junior to ever win the Mr. SHS competition); Executive Director of the Sisters Area Chamber of Commerce Cheryl Mills; Outlaws supporter Melvin Herburger, who has served as a judge for the competition each year; principal Bob Macauley; and Miss Sew-It-All Marsha Marr, who through the years has donated costumes and support to Sisters High School.

Mistresses of Ceremonies who kept the event flowing perfectly were sophomore Lanie Milroy, who serves on the Leadership Committee, and senior Jill Zepeda, who was one of last year's escorts.