The annual Mr. Linganore competition was held on Sunday, March 8th. This is the 17th year that the competition has taken place; however, due to the recent snowstorm, the competition had to be moved from Saturday to Sunday. Even after the rescheduling, it was standing room only.

Mr. Linganore 2015 is Dillon Mitcham. Second place went to Jonathan Gober, and third place was awarded to Michael Fink. Dillon received a $100 gift certificate to sponsor Outback Steakhouse. Jonathan Gober received a $50 dollar gift certificate to sponsor Jersey Mike’s. The third place winner, Michael Fink, received a $25 gift certificate sponsored by Jimmy Cone.

The competition is hosted annually by teacher organizers Mr. Jeremy Brown and Mrs. Natalie Rebetsky and supports the Renaissance Program. The program funds all of the school’s academic awards.

For his talent, Mitcham sang “Let It Be” by the Beatles and was accompanied by many of his friends. Senior Riley Bruning played the drums, contestant Shawn Verma played the piano, and junior Kylan Connolly played the guitar. Dillon was escorted by junior Laura Glawe. His “It’s Graphic” character was Star Lord from the movie Guardians of the Galaxy.

Mitcham says, “I didn’t think I would even get in the top three. When they said my name, I was completely surprised.”

Close behind, Jonathan Gober took second place. He performed the song “Island in the Sun” with background hula dancers. His strengths were real and figurative because he entered as Popeye, eating spinach to fight for Olive Oil (Moe de La Viez). Jonathan also won the Formal Wear portion of the competition.

Gober said, “I think all of us were winners that night.”

Mike Fink took third place in the competition. Going into and throughout the competition, Fink was on the leader board.  He had earned many points at the Uno’s fundraising night. Fink entered as the Incredible Hulk and danced with Matt DeMember to “All About That Bass” for the talent portion of the competition.

“Mike was all-around enthusiastic–all of the contestants were. Mike made me smile because, throughout the contest,  he was wearing tinges of green eye shadow from The Hulk makeup.” said Rebetsky.

Fink said, “This experience has allowed me to get closer to guys that I normally don’t hang out with at school.”

Of the many creative talents, there were a few memorable moments. A major crowd pleaser was Connor Bannon’s recreation of the SNL Chippendales skit. Many audience members appeared to enjoy Casey Alvarado’s black light illusion dance and Brandon Kleinmann’s musical performance.

That night had two added surprises. Jonathan Gober and Brandon Kleinmann promposed on stage.

To announce the winner, the reigning Mr. Linganore of 2014, Mark Shiderly returned to LHS. Shiderly reminisced about his past experience with Mr.Linganore and how it truly changed him.

Shiderly said, “You learn who your true friends are when they’re willing to get up on stage and embarrass themselves with you.”