By Chloe Falcon-Barros
Redwood’s students and teachers talk about the importance of the Mr Ranger trophy. Redwood High School stands in the heart of Visalia, California, a foundation of academic excellence and community spirit. Nestled among the towering redwoods that give the school its name, this institution has a rich history intertwined with the community culture embodied by the esteemed Mr. Ranger Trophy.
The Mr. Ranger Trophy has become integral to the Mr. Ranger Week, fostering a sense of pride and connection among students, faculty, and the wider community.
Each year, 10 nominees for the award participate in a talent show from singing a song with a fellow nominee to dancing your heart out, the nominees fight for the trophy.
From 2005 to 2006, the ASB team at Redwood High School faced a challenge: they needed a trophy for the Mr. Ranger pageant. With limited resources, they ventured into the school’s basement and found a plunger and a mannequin head.
Combining these unlikely items, they crafted a trophy that has since become an integral part of Redwood’s identity. This humble creation continues to symbolize the school’s spirit and resourcefulness.
Austin Mackenzie, Mr. Ranger of the class of 2008, shares the story of how the trophy was created about 19 to 18 years ago.
Mackenzie says, “As best as I can recall it was maybe 2005 or 2006 there was a desire for a Mr. Ranger trophy and the random collection of objects (plunger and mannequin head) occurred because it was bizarre and could be stuck to the ground.”
Following the awards ceremony, the trophies’ haircuts noticeably worsened after each year because of a haircut that was given. The winners then sign the trophy dating back to 2008, which were engraved onto the head of the trophies.
Mackenzie then adds, “Each year after its award the haircut became worse, and little signatures were put on the head by the winner, or at least I signed mine.”
The Mr. Ranger trophy isn’t just a token of the winners; it occurs in various projects. You can spot it in the latest musical “Mean Girls,” adding to the spooky vibe after the Halloween scene.
Its appearance there speaks to its connection with Redwoods culture, showing how it’s becoming a part of different creative ventures beyond just Mr. Ranger’s victories.
Miss. Galvan also adds to this by saying,“ We always try to do something that relates to the school in the show whether it’s a logo or whatever and we have an opportunity here with the whole Halloween situation of scaring somebody and we used the Mr. Ranger trophy as that piece.”
Chloe Falcon
Chloe is a class of '26 enthusiasts who loves drama and is a journalist for the Redwood Gigantea.
Email: chloe.fa0965@vusd.us