On February 26, 2022, twelve young men took the stage at Pecatonica High School to compete for the title of Mr. PHS. Co-chaired by Key Club members Ashley Burrow and Payton Kasper, the 5th Annual Mr. PHS pageant raised over $4700 in support of the Rockford-based Kids Around the World organization.
Co-chair Ashley Burrow and 2021 Mr. PHS Korbin Gann hosted the event. Throughout the night, judges and audience members were treated to a grand march, a choreographed dance, a dash for cash, and a lot of smiles and laughter. The twelve contestants began fundraising the week before the event, and on the night of the pageant, competed in the categories of formal wear, outfit of choice, talent, fundraising, and question. At the end of the night, awards were given and the top three contestants were announced, leading to the crowning of senior Jon Baker as the 2022 Mr. PHS.
The Mr. PHS co-chairs and advisor Michelle Johnson wish to thank all the contestants and their attendants, parents, judges, audience members, behind-the-scenes workers, and businesses who helped make this event such a success.
More photos of the event and a link to the fundraiser webpage can be found on the Mr. Pecatonica High School Facebook page. The Key Club is still accepting donations, and any amount is greatly appreciated. Once the goal of $5400 is achieved, the Key Club will be able to host an all-school event in which each Pec High School student will have a hand in packing 20,000 meals for children in need.
To date, the Mr. PHS pageant has brought in over $17,000 for organizations such as The Thirst Project, The Children’s Miracle Network, The Ocean Cleanup, ShelterBox USA, and now Kids Around the World.
Best Dancer, Best Talent, and Mr. Congeniality - senior Bailey Leif
Best Dressed and 1st Runner Up (tied) - sophomore Geno Gasparini, escorted by Addie Hamilton
Top Fundraiser, Best Outfit of Choice, and 1st Runner Up (tied) - junior Brendan Spurgeon, shown here as Bob Ross, escorted by Mika Nunez as his painting
Mr. PHS 2022 and Best Answer - senior Jon Baker, escorted by Kaiya Black
Junior Declan Handy and his attendant Alli White as The Price is Right contestants for their outfit of choice.
2021 Mr. PHS and co-host Korbin Gann, attendant Kaiya Black, 2022 Mr. PHS Jon Baker, Co-chair and co-host Ashley Burrow
With the generosity of the community, this year’s pageant has brought in over $4700, putting Pec High School Key Club closer to its goal of $5400 toward an all-school event to pack 200,000 meals for Kids Around the World.
*Pics can be found on the @mrpecatonicahighschool Facebook page if you need better quality*
Photo Credit Marde Gann