By Gina Maurer and Jackie Child
Thirteen contestants from all four grade levels battled for the title of Mr. CHS at Friday's competition by competing in a series of interviews, a group dance, and the limbo. Junior Mike Smeaton of Eatontown pulled out on top as Mr. CHS 2012 after the competitors shared their talents with the school.
The night began with introductions from the three hosts, junior Kiera Brennan of Middletown, freshman Sean Gilbert of Spring Lake and previous crown-holder and senior Andy Cernera of Freehold. Two students from each grade level were selected to judge the contestants and eventually eliminate them from the competition.
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Contestants took on celebrity personalities ranging from Tim Tebow to Paula Dean as the theme for this year's event was "pop culture."
Senior Jake Rotolo of Manasquan dressed as Iron Man and when asked why he would win the competition, he replied "Cause I'm the best."
However, Rotolo was eliminated after the first round of celebrity interviews with senior Nick Bobryk of Manalapan and junior Jacob Pirogovsky of Ocean.
Before the next challenge, Cernera and the 13 contestants participated in a group dance to a mash-up of "I Took the Night" and "Covergirl."
The contestants were later surprised by the judges with a physical challenge of limbo. After a few rounds, freshman Matt Stromberg of Freehold was eliminated followed closely by senior Nick Quiles of Port Monmouth.
Freshmen Pat Weber of Avon, Jake Cameron of Oceanport, sophomores Tony Diaz of Holmdel, Tim Viola of Manasquan, juniors Matt Goldman of Morganville, Mike Smeaton of Eatontown, and seniors Sean Allen of Red Bank and Frankie Garruzzo of Brielle, survived to participate in the talent competition.
Cameron impressed the crowd with his impressions of A-listers Zooey Deschanel, Britney Spears and Lea Michele.
"I thought they were really funny and definitely impressive. Not only were the voices accurate, but he said stuff that the characters would say. My favorite was definitely Zooey Deschanel," said freshman Olivia Whitaker of Oceanport.
Diaz as his Paula Dean counterpart shared a "new recipe" in the form of a poem called "Deep Fried Chocolate Covered Chicken with A Twist," the twist itself being butter.
Other talents included Viola's comedy routine, Goldman's rapping, and Smeaton playing the recorder to Miley Cyrus's "The Climb" with junior and escort Brianna Merriman of Leonardo.
"I thought it was a really funny act," said junior Christian Kelly of Brielle of Viola's act. "Although it was slightly disappointing to hear it was from another comedian, I understand he thought people would recognize it, and he did a good job recreating it."
A audible gasp from the audience was heard in cafeteria when Goldman asked junior Gia Reilly of Wall to be his prom date during his rap.
"Sales for prom bids were almost over, and it was really nerve racking not to know if I was going. To be asked like that at the last minute was really sweet and surprising," said Reilly.
Garruzzo and his escort junior Ellen Studer of Manasquan performed with a dance to "Tarzan and Jane" by Toybox.
"It was certainly interesting and quite unexpected," said Kelly of the performance which involved leopard print pants and throwing bananas to the crowd.
The judges then eliminated all but four contestants leaving Cameron, Viola, Smeaton and Goldman for the final round interviews.
When asked about who he thought should win if he himself weren't crowned Goldman responded, "Mike Smeaton, he has put the most effort into it."
The judges seemed to agree as Smeaton was titled Mr. CHS 2012.
"I was excited for Mike and Bri because they did a great job as Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie with the fake babies. And of course Smeaton was hilarious with the recorder while Bri was singing brilliantly like she always does," Kelly said.
"It feels amazing. I can't wait for next year," Smeaton said of his victory.
The reigning Mr. CHS felt good about handing down the crown to Smeaton. "I think Mike deserved it a lot. I'm really happy for him," Cernera said.
"I thought it was great, he was a sure win," said Weber of the final outcome.
Principal Mr. James Gleason's cited Mr. CHS as one of his least favorite events. "I understand the popularity among the students but out of all the events, the dances, and the fundraisers, this is definitely not one of my favorite."
The event was coordinated in a collective effort by the SGA but led by Vice President Gabby Maurer of Avon.
"It's not an easy event to plan, but this one is definitely one of the best." she said. "I think it is an interesting group. It is nice to see some new people and everyone really getting into it."
SGA adviser Mrs. Sharyn O'Keefe commented on this year's competition compared to the past.
"There was a lot of excitement on the contestant's part and a nice size committee," she said.
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