Mr Gateway 2k25

Mr. Gateway 2k25 is now in the books, and it was one of the best experiences I have ever had in my life. From hearing the whole crowd cheer for you to having fun moments backstage with my fellow cast members, this show is something that both the cast and the audience can agree created an amazing vibe and brought many people together. If you missed this must-watch year of Mr. Gateway, you can still find it at mrgateway.tv, after it goes live the following week (after June 6th).

When I first started my freshman year, I told myself I would skip out on Mr. Gateway because I was scared to not know anyone or to be too busy. Until one day, as I walked into Mr. Pridy’s morning meeting, I saw Kalise Miller speaking with some of the Mr. Gateway contestants about the fact that one had just quit Mr. Gateway, and they were down a person. She then asks me, “Oh Spencer, you would be perfect for it! Do you want to do Mr. Gateway?” So, I told myself it was fate and signed onto the Mr. Gateway crew. This was one of the best decisions I had ever made. Just by being in the right place at the right time, I have made countless new friends who I am extremely close with, had some of the hardest laughs that I’ve ever had, and been able to perform in one of the most thrilling, joy-inducing shows to date.

The hardest part of this show, while arguably withstanding the smell of the dressing room, was having to watch all of the seniors that I grew so close to have to move on and graduate, after they had become some of the closest people to me. The best part about not just Mr. Gateway, but Gateway in general, is that it becomes easy to become friends with someone in grades above you, and for age to be such a minimal factor in a friendship. This year’s runner-up, Ryan Seber, while 3 years older than me, has become someone really important to me and someone who I’ve just been able to have conversations and fun times with, and for that I will forever be grateful.

And how about this year’s WINNER OF MR. GATEWAY 2K25, JACK PATRICK!! When I first met Jack in 7th grade, I found the guy a little intimidating due to his “mysterious” personality and cool clothes, but once I got to know him in following years, and of course in Mr. Gateway, I learned that he’s a cool, friendly, and hilarious guy to be around. Jack, nobody deserved the Mr. Gateway crown as much as you did, and thank you for the music.

Of course, I will always be just as happy to have my freshman friends, Karson Straub and Marcus Myers, by my side throughout the entire show. Two people who I at first barely knew became two of my closest companions during the show, and I grew my friendships with them so much, from dancing together during the intermission song to performing in acts together both during practices and during the big night. Karson Straub has a special place in my heart, as we shared similar stories when it came to joining Mr. Gateway and becoming integrated into this crowd. He stated on Instagram:

As I said before, this show has developed so many great memories and friendships, and I couldn’t be happier to have participated. Thank you so much to the cast, helpers, singers, and crew who have made this such an awesome experience, and I cannot wait until next year.

Until then, this has been Mr. April, Spencer Barrett.