10 Students, 2 Titles – Mr. and Mrs. Ranger Week Is Already Almost Over

Mr. and Mrs. Ranger week is here at Redwood High School and ten contestants are stepping into the spotlight – each with different motivations and exceptions about what’s ahead.

By: Isabella Sutherland

Redwood High School’s Mr. and Mrs. Ranger week began Monday, April 13th, with 10 contestants participating in activities leading up to the final rally on Friday, while contestants share their perspectives and what they want to represent.

For many students, the week is less about competition and more having fun, Brooklyn Anderson, ’26 says, “I want to leave the impression that I truly was just having fun this week and not taking it too seriously. I want to show everyone that they don’t have to be embarrassed to have school spirit and things like this are just such a fun experience.”

Anderson emphasized the importance of enjoying the experience and creating a positive atmosphere for everyone.

Other nominees hope their participation will inspire students to step outside their comfort zone and get more involved on campus.

Alina Cervantes, ’26, says, “I want to be remembered as someone who’s kind and outgoing, and I want to be known as someone who encourages people to get involved and I want to influence [students] to not be afraid to step out of their comfort zone.”

She hopes to be remembered as someone who inspires participation and positivity among students.

Thai Dinh, ’26, also highlighted the importance of representation, he says, “I was nominated by FBLA (Future Business Leaders of America) and it felt appropriate to run for Mr. Ranger because I wanted to represent FBLA, a club that I’m so actively involved with and to show Redwood that FBLA is basically a force to be reckoned with regards to Mr. Ranger and to just show Ranger pride because Redwood is a great school.”

Dinh said it felt good to be nominated by FBLA because they recognized the effort that he and put into the club and not only a just a club, it’s a club that people can look up to and to show students how to be a Ranger.

Bendjy Stahl, ’26, says that, “[The competition] means that I’m seen and that I’m recognized as a part of the group.”

Stahl says the nominees make him feel like he is a part of something and feels seen.

Beyond representation, nominees also see the event as a chance to showcase their individuality and talent.

Matthew Merten, ’26, says, “I think [traditions] matter because it gives people an opportunity to show off a talent and show off something that not a lot of people know that they can do.”

Merten’s perspective highlights how the event allows students to express sides of themselves that aren’t always visible in everyday school settings.

Similarly, Sophie Caballes, ’26, says, “This school is something that I’m very proud of. I also wanted to showcase my talent, which is going to be a dance. And I just really wanted to be involved in this competition because I know how much it has to do with the community and school spirit, so I knew it was something I wanted to be involved in.”

Her participation reflects how nominees can combine school spirit with personal expression through their performances.

Camila Jimenez-Castro, ’26, echoed the idea of the importance of staying true to herself, she says, “I would definitely say just like standing out by being myself and kind of just like letting my personality show throughout this week and just really be myself and show everyone what my character is about.”

For Jimenez-Castro, the event is less about competing and more about authentically representing who she is.

As the week comes to an end, contestants are not only competing for a title, but also creating lasting memories and experiences.

Shane Travioli, ’26, says, “It’s just all about fun. I’m just trying to get the most out of high school. It’s my senior year, so I wanted to do it.”

This focus is on effort and experience which is shared by many of the other nominees.

Jocelyn Gormley, ’26, also emphasized the participation and effort throughout the week, “I wanted to participate in all the lunchtime activities and dress up days and the whole process with it.

Gormley also says, “Winning means that I went out and did my best and that the journey was worth it.”

Her perspective highlights how the experience itself can be just as meaningful as the outcome.

Nathan Zetino, ’26, says, “I think it’s going to be really fun to go to the rally and to show my talent and to watch everyone else perform their talent too. I feel like it’s not really much of a competition it’s more like 10 people just having fun with each other and all of us are participating, getting embarrassed, and dancing together, so it’s kind of more like friends and family rather than competition.”

Tags: clubs & lifestyles, mr. and mrs. ranger, mr. and mrs. ranger week, Mr. Ranger Nominees, Redwood, redwood gigantea, redwood high school, redwood journalism, redwood rangers