Mr. Carson High candidates announced

The annual Mr. Carson High pageant pits senior boys against one another in hopes of earning the coveted crown. But this year's contestants say it's not about winning; it's about having fun - mostly.

"We all just get to have a good time. We do it for fun," said Tim Grunert, 17. "Except for me. I'm here to win."

Candidate Tommy Champion, 18, just wants to avoid second place.

"I hear they're going to name the second-place winner Mr. Douglas," he said. "I just don't want to come in second. If I don't win, I don't want to get anything."

Mr. Carson High is the annual cheerleading fundraiser. Candidates were introduced Monday during lunch, and the pageant will be at 7 p.m. Friday in Senator Square at Carson High School.

The competition is divided into three parts. It begins with a dance number, where the contestants strut their stuff. Next, the boys show their more refined side in a formal dance, paired up with a cheerleader.

The contest concludes with a talent show. After which, a panel of judges decides the winner.

Tommy said "talent" was used loosely to describe his plan to play the Carson High School fight song on the guitar.

"It's pretty dang easy," he said. "I wouldn't call it a talent. I'm not very talented."

Cheerleader Amber Holbert, 17, a senior, has been waiting for the day she got to participate in the show.

"As freshmen, we had to work it. We didn't get to be in it," she said. "This is what we've been looking forward to."

Fellow cheerleader Amber Morton, 18, is excited to see the show.

"It's the funnest thing we get to do all year," she said. "We get to make fun of the guys."

Contestant Sam Sorenson, 18, said there will be plenty of material for that.

"It will be fun and funny," he said.

The 2012 candidates for Mr. Carson High are: Tommy Champion, Samuel Sorenson, Tyrel Keefer, Brock Pradere, Andrew Peckham, Clint Page, Drew Moreland, Aaron Spurlock, Simon White, Alec Whipple, Tim Grunert, Jacob Myers, Michael Walters, Jared Dempsey, Nick Garcia and Scott Tilton.

If you go

WHAT: Mr. Carson High pageant

WHEN: 7 p.m. Friday

WHERE: Carson High School

TICKETS: $5 in advance, from any cheerleader or contestant; $7 at the door.