It will be a busy week for contestants of the annual Lion's Pride Pageant. On Thursday, April 6, El Tapitio will be hosting an event that will see 20 percent of every bill go towards the pageant to those customers who bring in the accompanying flier found at local businesses and in this edition of The Sentinel. 

The night before, on April 5, the students will go head-to-head with staff on the basketball court during a silent cake auction. All proceeds from that event will also go towards the pageant. 

According to the high school, "The purpose of the Lion's Pride Pageant is to raise money for the Children's Miracle Network. This organization provides money for Springfield RiverBend Sacred Heart Hospital's neonatal and pediatric units. These units of the hospital help not only premature babies, but also any child throughout their teenage years who requires hospitalization."

The statement went on to note that several Cottage Grove High School students have benefitted from the Children's Miracle Network's relationship with the pageant throughout the years. 

Moreover, the high school will a receive 10 percent return on whatever funds it raises through the event. The goal this year is to raise $22,000 which would top last year's total of $17,500. 

The pageant contestants have been on the go since February with several events already completed including a kick-off dinner, Valentine's night babysitting and a dodgeball tournament. 

A significant change to the program this year is the addition of female students. In its long history, the Lion's Pride, formally known as the Lion's King Pageant, has had only male students participate. According to the high school, "These girls are pioneers in our new perspective of the pageant and I am thrilled to bring them into our fold. This year, Hannah Albrecht, Lauren Fields and Elizabeth will usher in future female students as part of the Lion's Pride program. 

El Tapitio will be accepting fliers tomorrow, April 6.