VERNON, Connecticut – The Mr. Rockville High School Pageant returns this Rockville High School this Friday, December 10th, after a one-year hiatus caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The 29th annual pageant features nine senior boys who will perform a talent, participate in a Q&A, perform a group dance, and strut their stuff in swimwear and formal wear.
The annual event is hosted by the Class of 2022 and raises money to help cover the cost of the senior prom and other class activities. This year’s program begins at 7 p.m. in the Rockville High School auditorium and tickets are $10. All are welcome.
“The winner gets a crown, a Mr. RHS sash and bragging rights,” said Amanda Langan, a chemistry teacher and senior class advisor. The winner also gets a free ticket to the senior prom.
“It’s a farcical beauty pageant,” added Paul Courtois, a social studies teacher and activities director. “Every year it’s so different. Sometimes the students are really talented. And sometimes they’re just out there just to have fun.”
On more than one occasion the talent demonstrated by a student has left the audience in awe, Courtois said. “It’s always a lot of fun,” he said.
In between performances by the contestants, the emcees provide entertainment.
The seniors vying for Mr. RHS are Gavin Antonelli, Christopher Cotto, Jaeden Dullivan, Owen Federowicz, Thomas Gearin, William Johns, Ryan Harvey, Leon Moran and Henry Tyus.
For the talent portion, some of the contestants will play a musical instrument, sing or perform a dance routine. Some are still determining what their talent will be.
The Mr. RHS pageant is one of the highlights of the year for seniors and a major fundraiser for the senior class. Money is used to defray the cost of the senior prom and other programs.