Raucous cheers filled the Valparaiso High School auditorium on Sunday as Valpo’s most talented young men seized the opportunity to strut their stuff in the Mr. VHS Competition: Valpo’s Next Top Man.
The 18 senior boys, each representing different VHS clubs, competed in swim and formal wear pageant style contests as well as a talent section. They danced, sang and joked their way through a stunning showcase of VHS’s best.
“We couldn't have a better group of guys,” Student Council President Veronica Chevalier said. “They all have so much charisma and personality; the audience will fall in love with them. They all also get along well with each other; I've seen a quality bond form.”
Eventually, the judges were forced to decide on a winner. After much deliberation and a couple of ties, they chose Mr. Japanese Club, Brett Odle, as Mr. VHS 2013.
“To be honest, I don't feel like it’s real to me,” Odle said. “I guess it just hasn't soaked in quite yet but I feel extremely happy that people enjoyed the show I gave them.”
Odle is a dedicated student and friend, always ready to help out. He’s a hard worker, and his work is only just beginning to pay off. He has been working with the Marine Corps, and next year he plans on joining the Marines full time.
“Before I joined in with the Marines, I was extremely depressed, almost to the brink of suicide,” Odle said. “I joined in and there were so many people there pushing me forward, and thanks to all those people pushing me to be the best I can, I was able to pull out of my depression and gain some confidence in myself.”
Odle’s new confidence is certainly appears to be paying off. He wowed the crowd with his dance skills and charmed the judges with his raw honesty and personal responsibility.
Planned by the Student Council, Mr. VHS requires a lot of hard work from all those involved. From 6 a.m. dance practices, to script writing and planning talent acts, the boys and the Student Council made sure to put in the work necessary to make the show great.
“Mr. VHS gives the community an opportunity to come together to recognize not only the amazing people in the show, but the amazing people of Valpo as a whole,” Chevalier said. “We have various people from all over the community taking part, and because of such diversity among the cast, the diversity will also translate into the audience.”