Seniors compete to become "Mr. Carson High"

Twelve senior boys vied for the title of Mr. Carson High School Saturday night at the Community Center, displaying talents from double pedal bass rolls on the drums to what can only be called an interpretive dance involving a kiddie pool, nunchucks and two cheerleaders in formal wear.

The young men were judged in three events, the "super hero" competition, a talent portion and the formal wear/question.

"It's meant to be a spoof on the Miss America Competitions," said Trish Stephenson, head cheer coach at Carson High. The event is organized annually by Carson High Cheerleaders to raise funds for their uniforms.

During the talent section, Justin "Big Sword" Barber almost lassoed a wheeled stool before performing some cowboy poetry in swimmer's fins. Then Jesse Steel performed impressive classical piano in his boxers and Kirkwood Harris performed Monty Python's "Lumberjack" song in lederhosen with help from a long line of sign bearers.

Frankie Bleuss, who started the show with a standing back flip and wrapped it up by flipping his escort, also played piano with no pants while Andrew Araza jumped some incredible rope to the Footloose soundtrack hit "I Need A Hero."

"It's fun," he said during the intermission.

The event has become more and more popular among students, with some saying the title "Mr. Carson High" ranks up there with king of Winterfest and Homecoming.

"I think it's higher than those because you have to compete," said Araza. He cited the panel of judges including Secretary of State Dean Heller, radio personality Eddie Floyd and dance instructor Gina Kaskie Davis, who make the final decision.

"Yeah, this has nothing to do with popularity," said Fletcher Darquea, another competitor.

Masters of ceremony Mark Johnson, a Carson High physics teacher and Joe Thornburg who teaches English are in it for the fun.

"This is my sixth year," said Johnson. "The kids do such a good job back stage that it runs very smooth for us."

"It's definitely a highlight of the year," said Thornburg.