The Ross Ragland Theater was filled to capacity as community members and high school students gathered to cheer on their favorite contestants at the 20th Annual Mr. Pelican pageant. With 14 participants—the largest group in the event's history—this year's show delivered an unforgettable evening of entertainment, humor, and heartfelt purpose.
This year's theme, inspired by Disney's "Cars," set the tone for the night, complete with themed dance numbers choreographed by KU Senior Ainsley Garrett. Contestants competed across multiple categories, including swimsuit, interview, talent, and heartfelt letters to their mothers.
When the evening concluded, Carter Dahm was crowned Mr. Pelican. Jacob Martin earned runner-up honors and Nathan Ferns placed third. Mr. Congeniality was awarded to Lonmonte Jefferson, which is awarded by the other Mr. Pelican contestants.
Mr. Pelican is far more than a pageant—it's a tradition rooted in service. Organized almost entirely by students at Klamath Union High School, the event raises funds each year for a local Klamath Falls City Schools family facing medical hardship. The contestants step forward not for scholarships or personal gain, but for the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in another student's life.
Participants dedicate four days a week to rehearsals, investing an estimated 80 to 100 hours preparing for the show. According to ASB teacher and event advisor Rhiannon Kerr, the ideal contestant is "a positive representative of KU and willing to have a servant attitude."
That servant mindset is what defines the program. "They're not doing this for themselves," Kerr explained. "They're doing it to help someone else." She shared that one of her favorite moments comes after the event, when contestants return to school "so proud and connected." Over time, the focus shifts away from competition. "They realize the power of what they did—they changed someone else's life."
The talent portion of the evening was a standout highlight. Jacob Martin impressed the audience with a piano performance, while Carter Dahm performed a memorable swing dance alongside his mother, Stephanie Dahm. Gavin Coe and Omar Garcia energized the crowd with a comedic dance routine inspired by White Chicks, and Nathan Ferns with a crowd-pleasing dance tribute to Napoleon Dynamite.
Contestant Omar Garcia said what he will remember most about this experience is "staying up late to practice my talent, hanging out with friends and being able to do something for a good cause to benefit a kid's life and future." When asked how he chose his talent, Garcia shared, "I was talking to my dad—he really likes White Chicks. He suggested it and said everyone knows it. It's so iconic." When asked what he will remember 20 years from now, Gavin Coe said, "I got to do it with my friends and for a great cause. It's a night I'll never forget."
Standing backstage as contestants took turns reading letters to their mothers, I ran into PJ Safford. He seemed a little nervous, and I reassured him he'd do great. "Oh, I'm not worried about that," he said. "I'm just sad it's almost over."
Behind the scenes, nearly 50 ASB students worked tirelessly to bring the production to life. From fundraising and scriptwriting to designing programs, creating promotional materials, producing radio ads, and managing technical direction, the students handled every detail. They even coordinated lighting cues and curtain timing with the theater staff.
Kerr said her favorite part of the experience is "watching ASB students flourish in difficult tasks, witnessing pride and confidence when they realize they are capable of doing something this challenging."
This year's beneficiary was Kiovanni Cuellar, a 4-year-old boy born prematurely at just 29 weeks, weighing 1 pound, 10 ounces, and measuring 13 inches long. Kiovanni faces multiple medical challenges related to his early birth and requires frequent trips to Eugene and Portland for medical care.
Thanks to the efforts of the Mr. Pelican program, funds raised this year provided Kiovanni with an iPad equipped with a specialized communication app, as well as a new nebulizer to assist with breathing treatments. In addition, approximately $4,000 was donated directly to his mother, Cassandra Cuellar, to help offset mounting medical and travel expenses.
While the support has made a meaningful impact, the family continues to face challenges and is still in need of a reliable vehicle for ongoing medical travel.
In the end, Mr. Pelican is not just about crowns or titles—it's about community, compassion, and young men choosing to serve something greater than themselves.
If you missed the live show, it is available on YouTube via Klamath Union High School's KUTV channel.
