The annual “Mr. Ladue Contest” was held at Ladue Horton Watkins High School Performing Arts Center with “Mr. Fashion” Jay Gaskin winning the coveted title. Thirty young men, chosen by their coaches and club sponsors, competed for the win. The boys put in a lot of time rehearsing a dance taught to them by the Laduettes, which they performed for the crowd!
Jay is president of Fashion Club at the high school. He ended up having to create an interpretive dance for the competition. He said that he went into the event with the goal of just having a good time, but when he made it to the top 10, he decided try to and win it!
Jay is going to Forest Park Community College for two years, and then he plans to transfer to a school in New York or California and major in fashion design and minor in dance.
About $7790 was raised through ticket sales. The event funds a great cause; the money raised goes directly to Habitat for Humanity St. Louis. Ladue Horton Watkins High School is the only high school in Missouri, and one of few in the country, to have its own Habitat for Humanity chapter. In addition to fund raising, the students also participate in home building projects.
Seniors and Habitat for Humanity club members Katherine Bisig and Rachel Avery said the boys represented the high school clubs and sports organizations well.
“The event was a huge success, and we are so proud of all of their hard work!” Katherine Bisig said.