23rd Annual Mr. Warrior Pageant Wows Audience

Amy Simon, Sports Editor| February 26, 2023

  • Dancing, seniors Allen Garcia, Henry Stenson, Luke Hagen, Tate Shores, and Wesley Yeung perform a choreographed dance routine to Lip Gloss by Lil Mama. The dance was choreographed by Sundancer Line Officers Carly Kienitz ‘23, Faye Merritt ‘23, and Hannah Bresser ‘24.

    Phoebe Taber
    '

  • Singing, Mr. Warrior contestant Luke Hagen ’23 points to the judges. This years judging panel consisted of science teacher Ms. Natalie Wieland, Miss Austin USA MacKenzie Lawrence, and Miss Austin Teen USA Paris Beal.

    Phoebe Taber
    '

  • Dressed as Pitbull, Wesley Yeung ’23 raps during the talent section of the pageant.

    Phoebe Taber
    '

  • Playing the piano, Henry Stenson ’23 performs during the talent section. Stenson went on to win the pageant.

    Phoebe Taber
    '

  • Singing, Mr. Warrior contestant Allen Garcia ’23 performs his talent.

    Phoebe Taber
    '

  • Senior Tate Shores ’23 answers a question from a judge during the interview portion of the pageant.

    Phoebe Taber
    '
Navigate Left
Navigate Right

On Thursday, Feb. 23, the Student Council and the SunDancers hosted the 23rd annual Mr. Warrior pageant. Seniors Luke Hagen, Allen Garcia, Henry Stenson, Tate Shores, and Wesley Yeung competed for the coveted Mr. Warrior title through casual wear, talent, formal wear, and interview sections.

MCs Amy Simon ‘23 and Maya Granoff ‘24 introduced this year’s judges: science teacher Ms. Natalie Wieland, Miss Austin USA MacKenzie Lawrence, and Miss Austin Teen USA Paris Beal, before presenting the audience with a short blurb about each contestant.

Following the introductions, each contestant showcased their talents. Through singing, rapping, and impersonations, each contestant brought a unique energy, keeping to keep the audience and judges excited throughout their performances.

This year was the first year audience members could vote for their favorite contestant through a pay-to-vote system. Audience members paid $1 for each vote, and their names were put into a giveaway for a chance to win a Cupprimo cupcake and P. Terry’s gift voucher. The contestant with the most votes was crowned the “People’s Choice” winner and got an advantage toward their final score.

After the audience voted, each contestant returned to showcase their tuxes and walk alongside their escorts. Once in formation, the contestants performed a dance to the song Lip Gloss, by Lil Mama, choreographed by Sundancer Line Officers Carly Kienitz ‘23, Faye Merritt ‘23, and Hannah Bresser ‘24.

Following the dance, the interview portion began. Each judge chose two questions to ask each contestant. Upon the conclusion of the interview section, the judges tallied up the votes to determine who would become Mr. Warrior.

As the results came in, a roar came from the audience, cheering on their favorite contestants. Shores won the popular vote, and Stenson was crowned as Mr. Warrior.

“It was exciting to get up in front of everyone and make everyone laugh and smile,” Shores said. “Even though I didn’t win, it was a memorable experience. Henry did a great job and deserved the win, and Wesley’s Pitbull impression was hilarious.”