And the winner is . . .

The annual (and much anticipated) Mr. Beaver High competition was held again February 21 in the Beaver Area High School auditorium at 7 p.m. The nine boys worked extremely hard to show off their “talents” this year.

The contestants this year included junior Brandon Kanell who showed off his magical voice by singing “Reflection” from Disney’s Mulan, juniors Jackson Thomas and Alec Coulter who showed off their strength by lifting weights together, seniors Eli Obrist and Gil Hankinson who ate gross foods together, senior Rye Boeh who mesmerized us with his magic tricks, senior Zoltan Nemeth who jammed on the guitar and sang “Two Ghosts” by Harry Styles, senior Anthony Perini who rocked it on the harmonica, and playing the recorder was senior Don Hare.

Substitute teacher (and former talent scout) Miss Emma Mio, who was included as a judge this year, said she was excited to see the performances.

“I believe there’s talent everywhere, and I’m excited to see what the boys have to offer. I’m trying to remember to not be too critical, but we will see what happens!” Miss Mio said before the show.

“I did Mr. Beaver High because I wanted to experience something fun and just try something out of my comfort zone! I will say, though, the possibility of winning free prom tickets isn’t too bad either!” Kanell said about the competition and its grand prize.

The popular pageant is a fundraiser for prom sponsored by the junior class and Mrs. Michelle Dietz. To that end, tickets to the event are $5.

New to the venture this year, the sports marketing class and Mrs. Lori Guandolo also worked alongside the junior class officers to take fundraising to the next level by arranging for sponsorship and ads in the programs that were handed out to attendees.

After the judges, including Miss Mio, Miss Carrie Fontaine from Edible Arrangements, Mr. Jay Young from Country Strong, and Mr. Terry Young from Men’s Warehouse, tallied their scores, the new king was crowned . . .

This year’s Mr. Beaver High was the lovely Brandon Kanell, followed by hysterical Alec Coulter, and tied in third place were Rye Boeh and Anthony Perini.

“Winning was a complete shock to me, and I could not be more thankful for this experience! The memories I’ve made and the friends I’ve met are unforgettable! Hope everyone who came enjoyed the show!” Newly crowned King Kanell exclaimed happily.

Kanell next will compete later this year in the Mr. Beaver County event.