Carson High School’s got talent

Kyle Sharp, 17, is good with a jump rope, and he plans to show off his skills in the talent portion of the annual Mr. Carson High pageant. However, he does have some concerns.

“We only have one minute to do our talent,” he said. “I’m afraid I’m going to mess up in that minute, in front of everyone.”

For contestant Josh Breen, 17, the potential for humiliation is less of a worry.

“I’m kind of a goofball,” he said. “That’s the fun part.”

The pageant, featuring 27 Carson High School seniors vying for the title of Mr. Carson High, is a fundraiser for the cheerleaders.

“It’ll pay for us to go to camp next year and helps offset the cost of our uniforms,” said Delaney Cobb, 18, co-captain with Kylie Schmidt of the squad. “It’s pretty big. Most of the school knows about it.”

Adviser Sheila Story said it has grown in popularity, partly because of the prizes for winners and other participants.

“We’ve received over $12,000 in donations from the community for prizes,” she said.

The winner receives $500 in cash and prizes. Second- and third-place winners receive $250 and $150, respectively, worth of donations. Awards are also given out for People’s Choice and Best Photo.

Sam Bruketta, 17, said his motivation is more altruistic.

“I’m just glad to participate in something that helps the cheerleading program at Carson High,” he said.

Contestants will be judged in a variety of categories, including costume, stage presence, talent and an interview question.

Nicholas Lani, 18, plans to rope someone for his talent.

“I just hope I can catch them on the stage,” he said.

But he has more confidence in his roping abilities than in his dancing after injuring his knee during the state wrestling competition last weekend, where he placed third.

The boys practiced their routine Monday during the first rehearsal with their cheerleader partners. The Mr. Carson High pageant will be at 6:30 p.m. March 7 at the Carson City Community Center.

“It’s a blast,” said varsity cheerleader Jordan Lamoreaux, 16. “It’s just fun getting to work with the guys, supporting the team, and getting out in the community.”