Students showcase talents in quest for crown

Singing, dancing, cheering, and shirt ripping set the mood in the Student Center Ballroom last Thursday for the third annual Mr. and Mrs. CSC competition.

After 10 minutes, no seat in the Ballroom was left empty and those in attendance waited for the night’s master or ceremonies, Justyn Anderson, 22, senior of Las Vegas, and Jonathan Dunn, 19, sophomore of Harrison, to begin the show and welcome the first competitor on stage.

Collin Brook, 21, junior of Colorado Springs, Colorado, began the night with his celebrity impersonation of Richard Simmons. He brought four members of the audience on stage with him to perform. The contestants each took turns, alternating between male and female, on their impersonations leaving the audience laughing and cheering every time.

Each contestant then took the stage again, one at a time, and answered two questions. Some stayed in character from their impersonation and answered the questions as their character would, causing the audience to laugh and clap harder.

Talents ranging from reading poetry, singing, dancing, playing a recorder, and stand-up comedy entertained both the audience and judges panel. Between acts, Anderson and Dunn performed and pulled last year’s Mr. CSC, Jazz Bozner, 23, senior of Rock Springs, Wyoming, on stage as well.

The final category, evening wear, allowed contestants to strut their stuff on stage while wearing clothing varying from pajamas to evening gowns. Some even brought blankets, a pillow, and teddy bear on stage with them. Each contestant walked from the stage through the crowd and back to the changing area.

While the judges were excused to collaborate and choose a winner, the emcees pulled audience members to the stage and dance to “Hips Don’t Lie” by Shakira. The remaining audience cheered for their favorite performer and laughed as both men and women shook their hips to the beat. Two more students took the stage after and sang “Long Black Train” by Josh Turner.

The judges returned and six winners were announced. Lexis Ferguson, 19, sophomore of Casper, Wyoming, and Brook won third place and received $15 Subway cards. Gabriela Perez, 19, sophomore of Sioux City, Iowa, and Jesse Bleidt, 20, sophomore of Lewellen, won second and received headphones. The titles of Mr. and Mrs. CSC was given to Lane Swedberg, 22, senior of North Platte, and Haley Calderon, 19, freshman of Silverdale, Washington, won smart televisions. Swedberg and Calderon were also given crowns and sashes.