Friday event supports hospital, scholarship funds
April 2, 2008

Returning to put on a night of entertainment for people of all ages are the Oly Pageant contestants, competing in the 12th annual Oly Pageant. Rich in Sprague history, this event also acts as a fundraiser, donating all profits to the Doernbecher Children's Hospital, as well as contributing to the Tyler Sutherland Memorial Scholarship and the Jessica Stanford Fund.

Ten seniors are nominated by teachers to be contestants: five girls and five boys. This year's girls are Cyd Dutcher, Kelsey Hancock, Cody Miles, Molly Nelson and Brittany Warnke. The boys are Marshall Cuffe, Jesse Goldfarb, Michael Noyd, Huy Tran and Tony Wilson.

All of the students are very involved, which made rehearsal schedules very hectic. "The biggest challenge was trying to get everyone together at the same time," Cuffe said. Since everyone is involved in different activities, their schedules conflict with each other, Hancock said.

Another challenge that most participants noted was the fundraising aspect, which they are all responsible for. So far, the Oly Pageant contestants have collectively raised approximately $15,000 for Doernbecher and the scholarship funds. "It's hard because you want to raise as much as you can for the cause, but it's difficult to do with the time you have," Nelson said.

"Finding people to donate was really hard," Warnke said. Letters were written to businesses and individuals and donation jars were placed at the businesses. Donations will be welcomed the night of the event, also.

Besides a challenge, Goldfarb also related the Pageant to being a college preparatory experience. "I had to make a fool of myself. Going into college, now I'll be more comfortable being myself and just being wild."

Dutcher was able to relate to this kind of experience. "My biggest challenge was putting myself out there for fundraising, dancing, and my talent," she said. "I had to step out of my comfort zone to help others."

In November, the ten contestants, the two coordinators, seniors Becca Zanon and Tiara Weiner, and activities director Caryn Connolly took a visit to Doernbecher to see exactly what the money raised would go toward. "After we went there, we realized what we were fundraising for, and it's a really good cause," Tran said. "It's very satisfying."

Wilson says he is looking forward to the night, but hesitant about what to expect. "It'll still be fun to put on a big show with my classmates. I know I'll look back on my senior year and remember the dance rehearsals and the evenings with everyone."

Students are required to not only donate their time and talent, but also all of their effort. Between writing donation letters, writing and recording letters to their parents, practicing their talents, and rehearsing the dance together, the stress adds up quickly.

Noyd understood the depth of the experience, however, and especially appreciated the opportunity to write the parent letter. "It was nice to get time to express high school things through my family, and especially my faith, which means a lot to me," he said.

Hancock, along with the other participants, is extremely excited. "I've wanted to do this since my freshman year," she said. "I feel so honored and blessed to be a part of something so big."

Karen Kleinman is a junior at Sprague High School. She may be contacted through Barbara Curtin at bcurtin@statesmanjournal.com .