Mr. Mustang is best described as a comedy-oriented pageant where senior guys and girls volunteer to compete for the title of “Mr. Mustang.” The event combines humor, talent acts, creative costumes and choreographed dances, making it a lively and entertaining experience for both participants and the audience.
It is a chance for seniors to showcase their personalities and talents in a light-hearted way while creating lasting memories. For many students, participating in Mr. Mustang is a unique opportunity to step out of their comfort zones and connect with classmates in a way that goes beyond the typical school day.
For participant senior Ashley Shook, this experience began unexpectedly after a friend, senior Priya Chatha, introduced the idea. Despite never having attended a Mr. Mustang performance before, the energy of the event felt like a perfect fit for her friend and overall winner, senior Noah Hawkins, who then encouraged her to join as his partner. Without fully knowing what she was signing up for, she agreed, ultimately creating an unforgettable senior experience.
The act Cruisin’ for a Bruisin’ became a highlight for her, not just for its lively crowd involvement but for the teamwork and energy that brought it to life on stage. The encouragement to participate turned into a cherished memory that would not have been possible without stepping out of her comfort zone. The preparation for Mr. Mustang was as much about building friendships as it was about perfecting performances. While many contestants were familiar faces, the practices—held nearly every day during advisory and often outside of school—allowed her to bond with people she may not have crossed paths with otherwise. Shook and Hawkins’ Cruisin’ for a Bruisin’ group became especially close, spending countless hours choreographing and refining their act right up until the final hour before the show. Through the rehearsals, costume tweaks and shared effort, the group not only elevated their performance but also formed connections that extended beyond their usual social circles, making the entire process as rewarding as the performance itself.
According to Hawkins, Mr. Mustang was a chance to step outside his comfort zone and experience something completely new. With no dance background, he was pushed to learn and grow alongside his teammates and the process was both challenging and rewarding. Seeing previous contestants express their joy during the show’s “thankful” segment is what initially inspired him to join.
It was clear how much the hard work and preparation meant to them, and Hawkins said he wanted to be part of something that brought that much happiness and fulfillment. He said his favorite moment was the SNL skit performed by three of the boys. You could tell it was far outside their comfort zones, but their smiles and laughter made it clear how much fun they were having, and that was really admirable to Hawkins.
Preparation for the Cruisin’ for a Bruisin’ skit was intense but unforgettable. They spent countless late nights at the Town Lake dance studio, learning choreography created by senior Sebastian Brewer. The long hours of spinning, jumping and kicking left them completely sore, but to Hawkins, he said it was worth it. Even on the day of the performance, they were perfecting the routine while others were in class, determined to make it the best it could be. The hard work they put in brought them closer as a team, and looking back, those sleepless nights were some of the best memories Hawkins made. The effort, laughs and friendships formed throughout the process made it all worthwhile.
