By Rachael Mintz
(Photo by Perry Richardson)
The curtains open, the crowd awaits the verdict and it’s announced-Chris Roys is the 2014 Mr. Coronado.
“I was so taken back by the announcement that it was sort of unreal. But everyone who participated put in so much effort and had such good acts and talents that I feel honored to be picked out of such a respectable group of gentlemen. Swag,” Chris Roys, senior, said.
Tonight, at the sixth annual Mr. Coronado pageant, 11 senior boys: Chris Roys, Brandon Reyes, Koa Mercado, Elijah Oliver, Gordy Driver, Dallin Bryan, RJ Kahlaf, Mark-Anthony Posner, Dyson Clements, Wyatt Henrie, and Siosi Goupil competed for the crown by participating in three different rounds of the show: pick-up lines, a special talent, and the question and answer round.
The contestants were judged by Mrs. Barlow, Ms. Wilson, and Mr. Flanagan on their efforts in the competition and their acts throughout the week on a point scale.
Roys was not the only one to be acknowledged at the pageant. Koa Mercado was named second runner-up and Dallin Bryan was named first runner-up to Roys.
This year Mr. Coronado was able to raise $1,200 for Safe Haven. In Nevada, this organization makes it possible for an individual to surrender an infant with no fear of arrest or prosecution. Parents are able to bring a baby less than 30 days old to any hospital, urgent care facility, or police station and the appropriate government child protection agency will take the newborn into custody. The baby will then be put in a foster or pre-adoptive home.
On top of the money that was raised for Safe Haven, the winner of the pageant picked a charity that they wanted proceeds to be donated to; Roys chose Opportunity Village.
“I chose Opportunity Village because I do have a mentally challenged brother. But there is also such a huge lack of interest and care given to some of the mentally disabled that it is just down right sad. I believe that the program really gives the disabled a sense of placement in society and the joy it brings being a contributing member of society,” Roys said.
As well as being able to donate to a charity of their choice, Mr. Coronado will be highlighted in the senior assembly at the end of the year. Following 2013 Mr. Coronado, Landon Hsieh’s footsteps Roys will continue to represent Coronado in one of the best ways.
