Ben Beutler channels inner Ryan Gosling to win Mr. Soda title

Mr. Soda isn’t something new to Soda Springs High School.

It was started in 1991 by Rick and Marylou Aubrey. For the past 18 years, Business Professionals of America teacher Cassie Cook has brought the evening to life as a fundraiser to support Soda Springs' BPA program and bring a fun, hysterical evening to the school.

The program started as a comedy skit but it has become much more than that.

Soda Springs High School senior and BPA member Avery Johnson says without the Mr. Soda event, the school's BPA program wouldn’t be able to travel and accomplish what it does.

“We have been so incredibly thankful for the support we have received from our community, as none of what we do would be anywhere near possible without it. I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to help bring this show to the community throughout my high school career,” said Johnson, who emceed last week's Mr. Soda pageant.

Many Soda Springs High School male seniors over the years have participated in the Mr. Soda event for no winnings except for bragging rights if they win the Mr. Soda title.

The Mr. Soda pageant is far from anything like the comparable girl version, the Distinguished Young Women competition.

Mr. Soda is meant to be silly and the sillier the better is what earns you the title.

Nine senior boys recently competed to be Mr. Soda during the pageant held at Soda Springs High School.

Hilariously each performed in a solo talent and a fitness routine.

Talents varied from Tucker Bowen hypnotizing his peers to Travis Mottishaw singing in the shower on stage (clothed of course) to Quintin Hansen bringing his baby sister to dance on stage to steal the hearts of the crowd.

This year's winner, Ben Beutler, performed his rendition of “I’m just Ken” from the hit movie "Barbie."

Beutler changed the song's title to “I’m just Ben” while channeling his inner Ryan Gosling.

Beutler started his performance in the back of the auditorium surprising the audience by singing his way down the aisle to the stage.

Senior Caleb Thompson was often found supporting friends throughout the night in their various talents and was the obvious crowd pleaser favorite.

First runner up went to Bowen who also won the spirit of Mr. Soda High and the physical fitness awards.

The crowd and peers of Beutler were more than thrilled with him being the chosen winner.

Afterward Beutler said, “I went to a Mr. Soda High performance for the first time during my freshman year and instantly fell in love with the concept. A beauty pageant with boys being boys. What could be better? So this year, after years of waiting, I was able to participate in Mr. Soda. I loved spending time with a lot of boys I hadn't talked to much before. I feel like this performance is much more of a team-building experience than most would expect. I sincerely hope to see this tradition continue next year. To all those upcoming senior boys, I expect to see you on the stage, making people laugh — and cringe. Who knows? You might win. I happen to be lucky enough to be in the very close acquaintance of an unexpected winner. But what can I say? After all, I'm Just Ben.”

The event ended with Cook taking the stage as her son in the crowd yelled “that’s my mom!”

Cook emotionally then announced she would be stepping down as Mr. Soda High adviser after 18 years.

“Just like my son said, 'That’s my mom,' I know it’s time for me to be the one in the crowd cheering, 'That’s my son,'” she said.