By Maria Riegel, Special Writer
South Brunswick High School held its 13th annual Mr. SBHS pageant April 20 in the school auditorium with the theme “Proud to be an American.”
”Mr. SBHS is a South Brunswick tradition that everyone looks forward to,” Student Council advisor Lauren Morris said. “We have received lots of compliments from participants, staff and students.”
All senior boys were eligible to participate in the Mr. SBHS pageant.
This year’s contestants included Venkat Yanamandra, Yianni Frangos, Casey Walker, Dan Paik, Brian Tesser, Frankie Troncoso, Jeff Lewis, and Matt Panconi.
Frankie Troncoso was crowned Mr. SBHS for 2012.
The show opened with the choreographed dance number by junior and Student Council officer Samantha Wereszczak.
Each contestant participated in each of the diverse competitions.
The contestants each wrote a rhyme that included their name and contestant number and then participated in the swimwear contest.
Many of the contestants wore bathing suits and were escorted by female students, but individual swimwear competition acts varied.
Yianni was pulled out on a wagon dressed as a mermaid, and Brian was quickly sprayed with orange body paint to represent a tan.
The talent contest varied as well.
Venkat sang a song while a friend played the keyboard. Yianni conducted a ‘magic’ act and Casey played the guitar. Dan played the violin and Brian sang a duet while playing the keyboard. Frankie sang the song ‘American Pie’, but changed the lyrics to fit his own original title of “Goodbye South Brunswick High.” Jeff conducted a ‘talk show’ with many of his friends while Matt executed a choreographed dance to ‘Macho Man’ with friends as well.
The boys then changed into their formal wear for the “Dress to Impress” competition.
Contestants were provided with tuxedos from ChazMaTazz Formal Wear located in the Market Fair Mall in Princeton.
Following the formalwear competition, each contestant was awarded a certificate to identify each one of their strengths during the pageant.
Frankie Troncoso was then crowned Mr. SBHS of 2012 by Demetri Frangos, a SBHS alumni and 2011 winner.
Ms. Morris said that she was definitely impressed by the overall show, and she really enjoyed the bond built by all of the participants.
”I think (Mr. SBHS) is a great way for the senior boys to showcase their talents and sense of humor,” Ms. Morris said. “I love the entire event; especially the camaraderie that boys develop among each other at practices.”
According to Ms. Morris, the boys worked very hard to make the show a success. She said that “it is great to see each piece of the show come together” through the boys’ dedication as well as the student council and class officers’ efforts.
Although Ms. Morris said that the show was a success, she would like to see more involvement with additional contestants and spectators.
She said she wants to continue the school spirited environment that has already been established through having large school-wide and community events such as Mr. SBHS.
Overall, the show was a major highlight for many students and faculty according to Ms. Morris.
She said that Mr. SBHS will be continued next year and hopefully for years to come.
”The contestants, student council officers and senior class officers did a wonderful job and worked hard to make the show happen,” Ms. Morris said. “I could not be prouder of their accomplishments.”
