Changing traditions

London Peterson

Photo Courtesy of Jared Hill

Mr. and Miss Silver Rush contestants participate in a group choreographed dance to begin the pageant.

Every December, students fill the school auditorium expecting one thing from Silver Rush: laughter. For years, the Mr. Silver Rush pageant has been an annual tradition centered on humor, sarcasm, and not taking anything too seriously, all while raising money for a good cause. This year, the event expanded into Mr. and Miss Silver Rush, and, while inclusion was the intention, the change shifted the tone of the pageant in a way that took away from its original purpose.

The charity pageant was held Dec. 11 at 7 p.m. in the auditorium and was run by Hope Squad. Six boys and four girls competed for the crowns of Mr. and Miss Silver Rush. Contestants participated in four rounds: a group choreographed dance, a prepared talent, a mystery challenge and an interview. While the cause behind the event is important, Silver Rush has always been defined by its unserious nature, not by competition.

Traditionally, Mr. Silver Rush has been a comedic pageant. Contestants leaned into awkwardness and exaggeration, often making fun of themselves rather than trying to impress judges. That approach created an atmosphere focused on entertainment and school spirit. The event was never meant to resemble a polished talent show.

This year’s male contestants were Mosi Angeles (12), Seth Christiansen (12), Chase Glenn (12), Jared Baker (11), Logan Evans (12) and Trenton Lowe (12). The female contestants were Adalina Angeles (12), Hannah Howells (11), Ashyln Gardner (10) and Robbilyn Lindwall (12). While all participants were clearly prepared, there was a noticeable difference in how the pageant was approached. Many of the contestants treated the event as a serious competition rather than a parody.

That seriousness changed the overall tone of the night. Instead of a lighthearted comedy show, portions of the pageant felt closer to a traditional beauty or talent competition. The dances were precise, the talents were carefully practiced and the interview answers were thoughtful and rehearsed. While preparation is not a negative thing, it conflicted with the informal spirit Silver Rush is known for. The boys, for the most part, stayed true to the pageant’s original style. Their performances focused on humor, whether through exaggerated choreography, comedic talent routines or playful interview responses. These moments generated the strongest audience reactions and reinforced why Mr. Silver Rush has been a popular event over the years.

The winners of the pageant were Robbilyn Lindwall and Seth Christensen. Both delivered strong performances and earned their titles. Christiansen’s win, in particular, reflected the traditional Mr. Silver Rush approach by prioritizing humor and confidence over perfection.

The addition of Miss Silver Rush ultimately altered the dynamic of the event. While inclusivity is valuable, longstanding traditions also benefit from consistency. Silver Rush works best when it’s taken in a lighthearted manner. Encouraging all contestants to embrace the comedic intent of the pageant, or returning the event to its original format, could help preserve what made it successful.

Mr. and Miss Silver Rush should continue to support charity, but it should also remain a night defined by laughter rather than polish. Keeping the focus on fun would better reflect the spirit students have come to expect.

Photo Courtesy of Jared Hill

Seth Christensen (12) and Robbilyn Lindwall (12) crowned Mr. and Miss Silver Rush 2025.

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