The Official Student News Site of Parkway West High

Pathfinder
The Official Student News Site of Parkway West High

Pathfinder
The Official Student News Site of Parkway West High

Pathfinder
Striking a final pose, seniors Bart Connors, Gavin Hamlin, Colin Hughes and Henry Wild parody The Barden Bellas’ Finals performance from “Pitch Perfect” during the talent portion of Mr. Longhorn. The group practiced at Wild’s house for hours to memorize the dance and song; it was difficult for Hughes in particular as he had never seen the movie before. “I was pretty nervous, and it didn't help when [Connors] didn't have his mic. I was standing out there for like 30 seconds; I didn't know what was going on, and then I looked back and he was not there. But, once I was performing, it was really fun. I ran up into the stands and high-fived people,” Hughes said.

Photo of the Week – November 22

Cindy Phung, Editor-in-Chief • November 22, 2024

Following his victory, Mr. Longhorn and senior Henry Wild gets lifted up by fellow senior contestants in a moment of celebration. After making it into the top three of nine competitors, Wild responded to an interview question posed by senior class principal Beth Aromando to cinch the victory. “Being up there with all the boys when they're picking me up and throwing me around was a fun time. I didn't participate to win; I just did it to have fun with them,” Wild said.

And the winner is…

Triya Gudipati, Editor-in-Chief • November 22, 2024

After weeks of planning, preparation and practice, on Thursday, Nov. 21, senior Henry Wild was crowned Mr. Longhorn. Initially stepping on stage as a salsa dancer during the occupation portion of the night,...

Striking a pose following their group dance, the 2024 Mr. Longhorn contestants welcome their audience to the show. Throughout the night, the nine competitors participated in an occupational section, skits for the talent portion and a fashion attire show before finalists were interviewed. “It's a fun time getting to hang out with my friends and doing [our] acts. I think I'm most excited for my performance with [seniors Bart Connors, Gavin Hamlin and Colin Hughes]. I like that I get to dance a little bit. I don't think I'm very good, but I'm gonna try my best to put on a show,” contestant and senior Henry Wild said.

Meet the competition

Triya Gudipati, Editor-in-Chief • November 21, 2024

The anticipation is over — Mr. Longhorn is finally here. As nine senior boys compete in the annual pageant, they showcase their hard work to audiences and judges alike. But beyond the brief moments they...

Kicking off dress rehearsal, Mr. Longhorn contestant and senior Carson Hughes goes over the group routine alongside other competitors. With just two days of practice, all participants learned the entirety of their introductory dance, chose an occupation to embody and crafted skits for the show. “The best part of this [whole thing] was learning the dance and just practicing with the guys. We [have to] try not to laugh the whole time, but we're having a lot of fun,” Hughes said.

A tradition almost lost

Triya Gudipati, Editor-in-Chief • November 20, 2024

On Thursday Nov. 21, nine senior boys will go head to head, competing for the coveted title of Mr. Longhorn. One of the most prominent events integrated into student life, the pageant is organized by Longhorn...

Triumphantly celebrating, senior Cameron Hickert is hefted into the air by fellow Mr. Longhorn contestants. Out of 15 contestants, Hickert took the first-place prize. “At the end of the day, I’m just glad I’m having fun with my friends,” Hickert said.

The finale: senior Cameron Hickert wins Mr. Longhorn 2023

Serena Liu and Elizabeth Franklin • November 24, 2023

On Friday, Nov. 17, Mr. Longhorn tested 15 senior contestants across the categories of occupation, talent and formal wear, and senior Cameron Hickert came out on top.  In an effort to curry favor with...

Teaming up with seniors Chase Haun, Brock Sweet and Mitchell Seavey, senior Ben Gingrich performs a comedy act during Mr. Longhorn dress rehearsals on Nov. 16. Gingrich signed up after being encouraged by Longhorn Council’s recruiting efforts. “We've got a lot of talent out there, a lot of funny acts, a lot of impressive acts — it's gonna be a good show. My Sports Lit teacher Casey Holland encouraged me to do it and branch out and try something different from what I’d usually do,” Gingrich said. “Bring positive attitudes, and be ready to be wowed.”

Behind the scenes: A peek into the process of the Mr. Longhorn contestants

Elizabeth Franklin, Serena Liu, Emily Early, Cindy Phung, and Triya Gudipati • November 17, 2023

For the past few days, the senior contestants for the annual charity pageant Mr. Longhorn have rehearsed in the theater, practicing their acts, learning a group dance and mastering the art of swaggering...

The senior boys dress in suits and jerseys to cheer on the Powder Puff competitors. Senior Derrien Gatchel initiated the suit trend last Powder Puff season. “The thought process was [to pretend we were dressing for] a business trip. Since we won last year, we had to do it again this year,” Gatchel said.

Halfway There!

Makinsey Drake, Staff Writer • January 19, 2023

Sitting on fellow contestants’ shoulders, senior Christian Fleming celebrates his victory. Fleming was crowned “Mr. Longhorn” after a display of his occupation, talent and formal attire. “I really wasn’t [expecting to win]. I was just excited to come out on top. All the guys did phenomenally,” Fleming said.

A night like no other

Emily Early, Serena Liu, and Elizabeth Franklin • November 22, 2022

Beams of blinding lights in hues of purple, pink and blues shine on the theater stage. The audience’s fervor bleeds into the atmosphere’s high energy, and as lively music blasts through the theater,...

Moving and grooving, senior Jack Goedde dances with the other Mr. Longhorn contestants in their opening act. Seniors and Poms captains Kelsea Wilson and Cameron Chandler choreographed the dances performed throughout the night. “Being able to have a special event for all of the senior guys makes it more fun. All the guys were bad at dancing, including myself, which made us laugh. [Mr. Longhorn] gives us a memory for the rest of our lives.”

Longhorn seniors, let’s act!

Addie Gleason and Elle Rotter • November 19, 2022

Seniors Alex Spangler, Joseph Grove and Tre Bell practice their choreography for Mr. Longhorn Friday, Nov. 19. Senior boys competed for the title of Mr. Longhorn in a beauty-pageant style competition which included learning choreography for dance numbers. “Being a part of Mr. Longhorn was a fun experience. [I] was able to hang out with all the guys and learn the dance, which was fun. At first, we sucked at the dance, we were terrible, but by the end we finally got it,” Grove said.

Photo of the Week – Nov. 19

Madi Michajiliczenko, Staff Writer • November 19, 2021

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