Students at West Henderson High School (WHHS) are working hard to put on the 5th Annual Mr. WHHS Pageant on Saturday, November 14, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. in the West Henderson High School auditorium.
This year’s all-male pageant theme is “9 to 5”, honoring the late Dolly Parton’s song. The pageant raises funds for families within the Henderson County Public Schools (HCPS) community who are facing significant medical challenges or hardships.
Families are nominated by HCPS employees and selected by student members of the WHHS DECA chapter.
The Vargas Family
Daniel Vargas is the son of Debra and Daniel Vargas and is the oldest of four siblings, Aubree (13), Arlo (8), and Luna (2). Daniel is a student at Hendersonville High School, while his siblings attend Hendersonville Middle and Elementary Schools.
Daniel was diagnosed with brain cancer when he was just three months old. He battled cancer until the age of seven and was able to overcome it. In mid-August 2026, Daniel began feeling unwell and was taken to the hospital. Blood work revealed dangerously low platelets and red blood cells, along with elevated white blood cells. After further testing, Daniel was diagnosed with B-cell ALL leukemia.
Daniel has a rare chromosome found in only 2–5% of children with his condition. His doctors estimate an 80–90% chance of survival if the medication developed for his specific chromosome is effective. This medication has never before been tried on a child.
Daniel will undergo treatment for the next two years. His mother, Debra, is unable to work because she needs to be with Daniel during his treatment and hospital stays, leaving Daniel's father as the family's sole provider. The family is facing the financial challenges that come with an extended treatment journey while caring for Daniel and their other children.
The Vargas family is grateful for the love, prayers, encouragement, and support they have received from their family, friends, and community. They continue to remain hopeful as Daniel begins this next chapter in his fight.
Meet the Families We’re Honoring
The Metcalf Family
Kenny Metcalf is the husband of Kiristie, father to Bryson, and father-in-law to Lexie. Kiristie works as an administrative assistant at North Henderson High School, and both Bryson and Lexie are graduates of North Henderson High School. For 15 years, Kenny has proudly served in the Maintenance Department of Henderson County Public Schools, dedicating countless hours to the schools and community he loves.
In early February 2025, an ultrasound revealed a mass, which was later confirmed by a CT scan. Kenny also developed jaundice as a result of a bile duct obstruction. Further testing led to his diagnosis of adenocarcinoma of the pancreas (pancreatic cancer). His treatment has included chemotherapy and radiation, followed by the Whipple procedure and additional chemotherapy. Throughout his treatment and recovery, Kenny has faced each challenge with strength, courage, determination, faith, and hope.
Kenny's cancer journey has brought significant medical expenses, and he will require expensive medications for the rest of his life due to scans and blood work. The financial burden of these recurring medical expenses have been overwhelming at times, adding another challenge to an already difficult journey for Kenny and his family.
Through it all, Kenny and his family remain deeply thankful to God for carrying them through each step. They are also incredibly grateful for the love, prayers, encouragement, meals, visits, messages, and generosity they have received from family, coworkers, friends, their church family, and the entire community. Kenny's journey is far from over, but neither is his faith or his fight. His story is one of courage, perseverance, love, and faith, and his family remains thankful for each day and for the people who continue to stand beside them.
The Williams Family
Kim Williams is the wife of Cameron Williams and the mother of Dylan (26), Lexi (24), CJ (15), who attends West Henderson High School, and Carter (12), who attends Rugby Middle School. Kim has been a nurse for 26 years, including 18 years working in orthopedics.
In May 2025, Kim learned that she had breast cancer. After undergoing treatment, the family received the devastating news in July 2025 that the cancer had metastasized to her bones. By September, the cancer had spread to her pancreas, and the family was told that her cancer was terminal.
By December 2025, Kim was no longer able to work because the cancer had left her weak and at risk of falling. As her ability to work changed, the family's medical expenses continued to grow. More recently, Kim was also diagnosed with kidney failure and heart disease, creating additional challenges for Kim and her family.
Despite everything she has faced, Kim continues to be known for her fun, spunky, and loving spirit. She continues to pray every day for a miracle and remains surrounded by the love and support of her family. The Williams family is deeply grateful for their faith and for the love, prayers, encouragement, and support shown to them by their family, friends, and community. Their hope is that the support received through Mr. WHHS will help ease some of the financial burdens they are facing while allowing Kim and her family to focus on one another.
Event Details:
Date: Saturday, November 14, 2026
Time: 7:00 p.m. (doors open at 6:00 p.m.)
Location: West Henderson High School Auditorium
Tickets: $12 (available online or at the door)
If you are unable to attend, donations can be made online
Reminder: HCPS clear bag guidelines are in effect at all middle and high school extracurricular events.
Contestants will compete in themed “wears” competitions and talent performances, showcasing creativity and personality. Awards include Families’ Choice, Mr. Money Maker, Mr. Sexy Legs, People’s Choice, Mr. Congeniality, and the ultimate Mr. WHHS title.
