The Current

Mr. Watkins Mill contestants show off to win prestigious title

Tuesday, May 15, 2012 By ANGELINA DEVAIRAKKAM & KRISTIN MELVIN

Mr. Watkins Mill, the annual competition to find one guy who will represent this school, was held yesterday in the auditorium at 7:30pm. Health teacher and softball coach Jody Tyler sponsored the event, and has done so for about four years. Mr. Watkins Mill has been run by Students Against Destructive Decisions ever since the school opened. Tyler said, “It made sense to step up and [sponsor] it.” Nominated by the students, the contestants rehearsed for the past two Sundays and Tuesdays. At the beginning of the show, the contestants performed in a group dance number. Then they had a slideshow with their baby pictures in it. After that, there was a swimsuit competition, leading to the talent show and then the casual wear portion, which was supposed to represent their personality. They then answered “fish bowl” questions; this was their opportunity to speak to the judges. Senior Charles Fianko, who was escorted by junior Sarah Wollman, performed a skit about bullying. “It was hilarious,” Fianko said. “We all looked goofy and funny.” Senior Kalen Hicks performed his own piece called, “A Year Round.” He said, “The group dance and choreography was awesome.” Senior Damien Hall was escorted by senior Daniela Deleon. “The night was fun,” Hall said. “We went out there and just made fools of ourselves.” Senior Jonathan Acevedo was escorted by junior Jennifer Wright. For his performance he played “Apologize” by One Republic and an Adele song on the piano. “The event was really fun,” Acevedo said. “Our practices [were] awesome.” He also added, “We made fools of ourselves on stage, we were just dancing around.” Senior Walter Alvarado said, “My performance was funny, I was trying to make people laugh.” Junior Bethel Etta, Alvarado’s escort, said, “[Alvarado] is a really funny, likable guy.” She believed he should win because he is “friendly” and is the SGA president. “He is an all-around cool guy,” Etta said. She also participated in the group dance, wearing a black dress with heels. All of the candidates picked talents that they hoped would win the crowd over on who deserved to win. With Acevdeo and his piano playing and Fianko with his anti-bullying skit, picking one winner was difficult but all of the contestants are great representatives of what The Mill is about.