Mr. MHHS pageant kicks off Thursday

Nine students from Mountain Home High School will put their athletic, academic and personal skills to the test during a yearly event later this week.

The 12th Annual Mr. MHHS Pageant will begin at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 28, in Lloyd Schiller Gymnasium.

Seniors scheduled to compete this year include Danny Calvert, Ben Ceccarelli, Matt Frederick, Nate Groggett, John Kenison, Joey McCullough, Matthew Rueger, Josh Schneider and Christopher Smith.

This "humorous, entertaining event" gives senior boys a chance to earn a scholarship, which is donated by local businesses, said event coordinator Janet Waggoner.

To win the pageant title, each candidate will compete in seven categories, including physical fitness, personal attire and talent, evening wear and academics along with a question and answer session. In addition, members of the Business Professionals of America club will cast their votes on who they felt meets the definition of "Mr. Congeniality."

Each teen had their own reason for entering the pageant. For Calvert, it was a chance to show off their school pride. Groggett, meanwhile, joined the event "to show people that even the average (person) can win."

Frederick was a little less modest, simply saying, "I'm the greatest."

The pageant serves as a key fundraiser for the high school's Business Professionals of America club. Money raised will help defray costs for the group's upcoming competitions.

This year, the school had 17 students due to compete at the Business Professionals of America state-level event in Boise.

"Hopefully, we will have students make it to nationals in May in Orlando, Fla," Waggoner said.

In 2012, the club raised more than $1,300 during the pageant, which event coordinators considered a great success. They credited a team of volunteers, local business owners and others that helped make each pageant possible.

Tickets for this year's event are available at the door and cost $5 for adults and $3 for students and seniors with free admission for those under age 5.

"Come out to support these gentlemen as they compete for the Mr. MHHS Scholarship and help out the Business Professionals of America Club," Waggoner said.

For more information, call the high school at 587-2570.