Pirates Celebrate M-Week

By ELISE DALLEY

The Progress

It was an exciting week for Moapa Valley teens. The Moapa Valley High School community celebrated “M Week” on April 25-30.

This beloved school tradition dates back nearly ninety years. This year’s M-Week activities included a pancake breakfast, a game of “Spartacus” in the gym, the fabled Mr. M contest, a drive-in movie, a Battle of the Bands concert, and of course, MVHS prom.

On Monday, students were welcomed to school by the aroma of pancakes as the event that day was a pancake breakfast. On Tuesday, students were given the opportunity to play a game of Spartacus in the gym during their nutrition break.

A particularly favorite tradition took place on Wednesday evening: the Mr M. Competition. In this event, male seniors adorn themselves in a variety of their favorite outfits including an exercise fit and evening wear, which they then show off to the crowd. The contestants then entertain the crowd by performing a talent.

This year’s contestants included Jeremiah Mortenson, Tyler Rowley, C.J. Anderson, Peyton Neilson, Jace Meeks, and Scott Hardy.

Meeks’ talent was an amusing rap performance. He sang the song “Ice Ice Baby” which was accompanied by backup dancers.

Hardy’s talent humored the crowd as well. He displayed his talent of ‘cooking’ water.

Aliva Smith, a freshman, had great things to say. “I think my favorite part about Mr. M was that you never knew what to expect,” she said. “I’ve never been to a Mr. M show before and this was a great first one to go to!”

The top three competitors, selected by judges, were C.J Anderson, Jace Meeks, and Scott Hardy. These three were asked a series of questions by the judges. Finally the Mr. M winner was chosen. To the crowd’s delight, Jace Meeks was bestowed with a sunflower crown and a glittery sash as the 2022 Mr. M.

Thursday’s M Week event- a drive in movie- was also a big hit. At approximately 7:30 pm students filled the parking lot of the school with blankets and eager attitudes, in anticipation for the drive in movie. The film selected was High School Musical 3.

Sophomore Kaelani Goodwin said that the drive in movie was her favorite event of the week. “It was fun to hang out with friends,” Goodwin said. “And High School Musical 3 is the best movie ever!”

On Friday, the big event was The Battle of the Bands, long a favorite tradition at MVHS. An assembly was held in the theater during which bands competed for the championship.

One crowd pleaser was the band “WillPhil Change.” Aidan Johnson, a sophomore, was happy to admit he is a fan.
“Everyone did a good job, and I really loved WillPhil Change,” Johnson said.

Another crowd pleaser was the band Velvet Fog, made up of a group of MVHS teachers. During their performance students and teachers went to the bottom of the stage and danced to the beat of their songs.
“It was like a free concert during school!” said Alivia Smith. “Being a Taylor Swift fan, the performance of Love Story by WillPhill Change was amazing and I am really looking forward to next year!”

To top it all off was the highlight of the week: the Junior and Senior Prom. The theme for this year’s prom was “A Golden Year.” Black gossamer streamed down from the ceiling in a mock curtain manner, and gold accents and decorations littered the Gary Batchelor Gymnasium. Students were found dancing, singing and enjoying themselves together.

This year’s Prom royalty was announced at the dance. Prom Queen went to Rachell Lyman, and Austin Heiselbetz was named Prom King. Junior Princess winner was Savannah Aikele and Junior Prince was Nick Hoy.
“Prom was awesome!” said MVHS Senior Maria Perez. “The DJ played great music and I’m glad I got to be with friends and have a great time!”

“The seniors, and all the others who helped decorate, did an amazing job and put a lot of effort into it!” said Alivia Smith. Student Council Adviser Suzanne Garlick also was happy with the outcome of Prom. “I really enjoyed the Prom,” Garlick said. “The committee that organized it this year had come up with a beautiful vision of how they wanted it to look and they spent many hours planning and making sure that it was a success. All the student council had a part in making this and all the activities successful during the week.”

Garlick praised and expressed gratitude for all the efforts put into making M Week a success.
“M Week is a tradition that the students enjoy,” she said. “There are so many people that are involved in it. These include student council, administration, teachers, the theater technician crew, the facilities crew, and the custodians.”

“I feel that these activities help bring a sense of unity and school spirit,” Garlick added. “I love assisting our dedicated and hard-working student council in preparing and executing all the events for our student body throughout the year. It is truly a delight to work with these outstanding leaders.”