MrPHS2023

On February 25, 2023, twelve young men took the stage at Pecatonica High School to compete for the title of Mr. PHS. Co-chaired by Key Club members Becca Brown and Payton Kasper, the 6th Annual Mr. PHS pageant proved to be the most successful one yet, raising over $8000 in support of the Kiwanis Neuroscience Research Foundation (KNRF).

Co-chair Becca Brown and 2022 Mr. PHS Jon Baker 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 of 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 two contestants were announced, leading to the crowning of senior Sam Frank as the 2023 Mr. PHS.

The Mr. PHS co-chairs and Key Club advisor Michelle Johnson wish to thank all the contestants and their attendants, family members, judges, audience members, behind-the-scenes workers, and businesses who helped make this event such a success. 

To date, the Mr. PHS pageant has brought in over $26,000 for organizations such as The Thirst Project, The Children’s Miracle Network, The Ocean Cleanup, ShelterBox USA, Kids Around the World, and now the Kiwanis Neuroscience Research Foundation.

More photos of the event, courtesy of Marde Gann, can be found on the Mr. Pecatonica High School Facebook page.

2023 Mr. PHS Sam Frank, escorted by Natalie Zeiter. Sam also received an award for Best Answer during the Fishbowl Question category.

First Runner Up Brendan Spurgeon, shown here with co-host Becca Brown and 2022 Mr. PHS Jon Baker, also received awards as Best Dancer and Mr. Congeniality. 

Co-chairs Payton Kasper and Becca Brown. Payton served as stage manager the night of the pageant and also choreographed the boys’ dance. Becca co-hosted the pageant.

Junior Drew Lapp, escorted by Lily Baer, was voted Best Dressed.

Senior AJ Mulcahy and his attendant Paige Moore during the Formal Wear category.

Senior Brendan Spurgeon and attendant Macy Sager recreated Elliott and Gertie from E.T. for their outfit of choice. The judges loved the creativity and they won the Best Costume.

Freshman Blake Fox and his attendant Anna McLevige dressed up as Scooby Doo characters Fred and Daphne for their outfit of choice.

Sophomore Mack Massingill won Best Talent with his one-man multiple-instrument band. He received a perfect score!

Freshman Brayden Zissler, shown here with co-chair Becca Brown and 2022 Mr. PHS Jon Baker, fundraised an amazing $1,000 for the Kiwanis Neuroscience Research Foundation!