UPDATE Thursday 5/6/21: The winners of Best of BG will be announced Friday May 7 at 7pm! Click HERE to watch the reveal video on YouTube!

UPDATE Monday 5/3/21: Thank you to everyone that watched and donated to the Best of BG 2021!  You can still enjoy watching the pageant on BGTV27’s YouTube channel. Thank you!

The Best of BG pageant premieres April 29-30!

This year’s show is a virtual pageant that will premiere both days on BGTV27’s youtube channel. Please join us in watching!

  • Thursday, April 29 – 7 p.m. (Part 1)
  • Friday, April 30 – 7 p.m. (Part 2)

You can donate AND cast your vote for the “People’s Choice” winner through our BGHS ASB office using THIS LINK. Click HERE for instructions on how to donate. Donation instructions will also be included in the pageant videos. The contestant that has the most funds donated in their name will be crowned the People’s Choice winner of ‘Best of BG’!

Formerly known as “Mr. BG”, The Best of BG is a pageant designed to showcase some of the greatest talent and humor of Battle Ground High School’s senior class while raising money for a community member in need. Eight contestants will perform and compete to earn the titles of People’s Choice and Best of BG. All money raised will benefit Izabella Lewandowski, who is currently fighting breast cancer. Read her story below, and don’t forget to join us on April 29th and 30th to watch the show!

Until then, check back in on this website and follow us on Instagram @bestofbg_21 to stay up-to-date on information about fundraisers and show updates.

Best of BG Contestants

Click on the + symbol below next to each contestant’s name to see their photo and read their bio!

Cole Billingsley senior photoMy name is Cole Billingsley, and I play both varsity soccer and basketball for Battle Ground High School. I have been playing both of these sports for pretty much my whole life. Other than these sports I enjoy hanging out with my friends, skiing, hiking, and wake surfing. After high school I plan on attending a 4-year university in Utah. Some fun facts about me are that I can make some killer nachos according to my little sister and that I have always wanted to go skydiving, and I have also sprained both my ankles too many times to count. I should be crowned Best of BG because my little sister says I should win.

Gage Hay senior photo

My name is Gage  Hay, and I am a senior and I play basketball at BGHS. Some activities I like to do are play basketball, go to my cabin, hunt, and hang out with my friends. After high school I would like to go to school to get my degree in business management and also earn my real estate license. One fun fact about me is that I am a complete movie nerd. I should be crowned Best of BG because I love this school, this city, helping people in need, and because I have awesome hair.

Ashton Hemming senior photo

My name is Ashton Hemming, and I enjoy participating in music, athletics, and any kind of adventure. I have been fortunate enough to be a part of the Battle Ground High School Jazz Combo. Because of all the opportunities, the combo has given me, it has made me a better musician. For the past two years, our combo has made it to the Mingus Jazz Festival that is held in New York. In the past two years, I have been given amazing chances to work with professional musicians and grow as a section leader. Along with music, I recently got into snowboarding. My best friend Eli and I have taken any free time we had to enjoy going to the mountain and learning new tricks. After I graduate this coming June, I will be serving on a two-year mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Ever since I was little, I have dreamed of serving in a foreign country so I can grow as a person and learn a new language. When I return from my mission, I plan on attending a university and minoring in music. I would be honored to be crowned this year because I am very competitive and love winning. More importantly, I would love to represent Izabella and support this amazing cause for the 2021 Best of BG Pageant.

Foster Hidden senior photoMy name is Foster Hidden, and I have been involved in cheer and track and field for all four years at the highschool, and I am on Dream, an all star cheer team from Beaverton, Oregon. I love cheering, running, hiking, and working on my car. One fun fact about me is that I really, really like toaster-oven pizzas. After highschool, I plan on joining the airforce then going back to school to become a pilot so I can work and travel around the world. I am super excited to be a part of this show this year! I think I should be crowned Best of BG because I can do a sick backflip!

Rebekah Keithley senior photo

My name is Rebekah Keithley, and I have been a member of HOSA here at Battle Ground since sophomore year. I am also in band and have played the flute since 6th grade. I love hiking, going for runs, reading, baking, and spending time with my family. After graduation I am attending Washington State University in Pullman, to start my studies in Pre-Medicine. I hope to one day become a pediatric surgeon. A fun fact about me is that I am fluent in ASL. You should choose me to be crowned best of BG, because I know the importance of hard work and kindness and I will represent Battle Ground High School in the best way possible.

Ian McHenry senior photo

My name is Ian McHenry, and I am in Jazz band and symphonic band at Battle Ground High School. I enjoy playing in a band with other people and playing video games with other people. I am a very analytical person and good at problem solving. I also have extensive knowledge of computers and other related technologies and enjoy working with them very much. Additionally, I am a master builder in Minecraft and have built structures miles by miles large. I am really excited to be a part of Best of BG this year and support such a great cause!

Charles Williamson senior photo

Hey there! My name is Charles Williamson, I am one of the contestants for the 2021 Best of BG pageant. At Battle Ground High School, I have competed in both cross country and soccer for the past three years, but due to the current pandemic I am deciding not to compete this year. Aside from activities within the school, I love to draw, game, hang with friends, and read and create stories. A little fun fact about creating stories is that I am actually writing the first of a trilogy! After this year I plan on going to Biola University down in SoCal and studying Cinema and Media Arts for my major and creative writing for my minor. After that, I would like to take a step into the cinematic arts industry and make blockbuster films that will be remembered for generations. As far as Best of BG goes, I am doing it more for the experience rather than the title, although it will be sick if I win!

Best of BG Committee

Click on the + symbol below next to each committee member’s name to see their photo and read their bio!

Aubrey Carlson senior photoHi my name is Aubrey Carlson and I am one of the Senior Directors of the Best of BG Pageant show. I happen to be the ASB Business Manager, a STRIPES Executive Lead and a member of the schools NHS. While I am not studying for my AP classes, I like to venture out to the outdoors. I spend most of my time with my friend engaging on walks/hikes on the Washington trails. After Graduation in June, I plan to attend a four year university as well as volunteer abroad. A fun fact about me is my grandfather gave me the nickname of Pooh Bear when I was a baby and continues to call me that from having a Winnie the Pooh Stuffed animal. Over the years, he has shortened the name to Pooh and while we attend the store for groceries and he happens to say the name “Pooh” in front of people, I tend to get concerned looks from individuals.

Payton Bodily senior photoHi! My name is Payton Bodily, I am a Senior at BGHS and the Best of BG pageant director alongside Aubrey Carlson! Though this year has been quite a big change I look forward to seeing all the hard work come together! This is my fourth year in ASB and I love it! In my free time I like to read, watch movies, write, adventure in the PNW and spend time with my friends and family. I love taking long drives to fun places all over the country but I also love snuggling up with a blanket and a good book! After highschool I plan on going into sales and real estate. I want to get my license and become a real estate agent! I also plan on traveling with my best friends all over the world! A few fun facts about me is that i’m the oldest of four girls, I LOVE action movies and my favorite color is pink!!

Emily Brooks senior photoMy name is Emily Brooks and I am one of the Emcees for the Best of BG Pageant. I am the drummer for the Advanced Jazz Band and I throw javelin for track and field. My hobbies include making ceramic art, baking and playing the drums. My goals after high school include going to college, becoming a physical therapist and building my dream home on acreage.

Hailey Defferding senior photoMy name is Hailey Defferding and I have wanted to be on the Mr. Battle Ground committee since I escorted my brother in 2012, so I am so excited to be emceeing Best of BG this year! At Battle Ground High School, I am a cheerleader, ASB President, and STRIPES Executive. In my free time I like to snowboard, wake surf, or go on adventures with my friends. After high school, I plan on pursuing a business degree while cheering in college. One thing you should probably know about me is that I have the best secret chocolate chip cookie recipe.

Bethany Tuchardt senior photoMy name is Bethany Tuchardt and I am the backstage manager. I am involved in a number of activities including: Club and High School Volleyball, Vocal Jazz, NHS, Girls Basketball, Track, ASB, and Stripes. My entire life I have been split between volleyball and music and enjoy participating in both all year round. In the near future, I hope to play volleyball at the collegiate level and work towards a major in business and organizational communications. Fun fact! I escorted my brother, Mr. BG, in 2017.

Miki Malone senior photoHello my name is Miki Malone and I am currently a Senior at Battle Ground high school. My position in the Best of BG Committee is the social media manager, I get the updates of the event out on social platforms and communicate with others. At Battle Ground I am a part of the HOSA club, National Honors Society, and S.T.R.I.P.E.S mentoring. Some activities I like to do are run Blood Drives, go on small drives, go out with friends, and eat Chick-fil-a. After high school I plan on attending WSU for my undergraduate degree in human biology, getting into med-school, and becoming an Orthopedic Surgeon that specializes in trauma. A crazy fact about me is I love sharks and have swam with them on multiple occasions (outside of a cage). I also love hockey- particularly the Vegas Golden Knights!

Austin Cloke Senior PhotoMy name is Austin, I am one of the Junior Directors for Best of BG 2021. I play trumpet in the Advanced Jazz Band, as well as Wind Ensemble. I enjoy playing my trumpet and hanging out with friends. After high school I would like to attend Gonzaga University, and pursue a career in forensic psychology. One fun fact about me is my appendix burst 3 days after my thirteenth birthday.

Ethan ParisHi my name is Ethan Paris; I am a Junior Director on the Best of BG committee. I am a member of the Associated Student Body (or ASB for short). Some activities I enjoy in my free time are playing video games, reading, and collecting figurines. My goals for after high-school are to go to college and very hopefully become an internet personality; but that’s probably not gonna work out so maybe like accounting or something that pays well. A fun fact about me is that I’m allergic to cucumbers and we found that out the hard way while we were camping an hour away from the closest hospital.

Best of BG Beneficiary: Izabella Lewandowski

Isabella LewandowskiIzabella Lewandowski is fighting against her diagnosis of Breast Cancer and is currently receiving treatment through chemotherapy, holistic care and soon radiation.

Izabella is a member of the deaf community, was previously an American Sign Language Instructor at BGHS and is currently a teacher in the Evergreen School District. She is a daughter, a sister, and a friend to many.

Izabella is such a thoughtful and caring soul and for her to receive the care she needs a full recovery, we are asking for the community to rally together to support her by fundraising.

On behalf of Izabella herself, her beautiful family and friends, she thanks you for all your love and support during this difficult time.

Upcoming Fundraisers

Mod Pizza Logo

On Tuesday, March 30 and Monday, April 26 from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., visit the MOD Pizza located at 1214 SW Scotton Way in Battle Ground, and a portion of sales will go toward the Best of BG Pageant. There’s no need to bring the flyer with you – just be sure to mention the Best of BG Fundraiser when you are checking out!

Menchie's Frozen Yogurt logo

On Fridays, March 26 and April 30 from 1 to 9 p.m., Menchie’s Frozen Yogurt will donate 20% of proceeds to the Best of BG Pageant when you show them the event flyer (March 26 flyer here and the April 30 flyer here). This offer is only good at the Menchie’s located at 1214 SW Scotton Way in Battle Ground.