After a two-year hiatus, Mr. Massapequa returned to MHS on Thursday, March 27, and given its wild success, this event is here to stay.

Mr. Massapequa, a parody of the Miss America contest, can technically be considered an all-male beauty pageant. Boys and faculty members were nominated several weeks ago by MHS students. All proceeds from the event were donated to the Make-A-Wish foundation.

Closely following the pageant theme, the night began as the nominees walked down the runway of the gymnasium in their best evening wear. Seniors Brianna Falcone, Dan Minogue and Kara McKenna hosted the event and introduced each nominee to the audience.

The talent portion began soon after, which was perhaps the most highly anticipated part of the evening. Ranging from rap performances to dance routines, the guys really knew how to entertain the crowd. In fact, audience members had just as much fun as the performers.

“Mr. Massapequa was the most fun I’ve [seen] in a long time. I don’t think I’ve ever laughed harder,” senior Sara Albert said.

A panel of judges comprised of teachers and previous Mr. Massapequa winners picked their top five performances to advance on to the final round. As the finalists were being determined, the previous Mr. Massapequa winners honored the late Coach K who was crowned Mr. Massapequa in 2006 . Additionally, senior Tony DiMarino made a heartfelt speech about senior Jake Brice who passed away last August.

Those who made it on to the final round of the competition had to answer a question that the hosts had chosen for them. Senior Brian Nichtern took this opportunity to ask senior Jamie Ahrens to prom, which was a major highlight of the evening.

Although the competition was close, senior Mike Dito was awarded the title of Mr. Massapequa. Dito was honored to have received such a tremendous accolade.

“When I heard Dan announce my name as the winner, I was in shock,” Dito said. “I didn’t know how to feel, but when I heard the crowd cheer I felt amazing and accomplished.”

Class of 2014 advisor Ms. Nicole Zapulla has spent years planning for the event and is very proud of how it ultimately turned out.

“I have been organizing this since 2007. I am happy to say that Mr. Massapequa 2014 was a tremendous success!”

MHS senior Mike Dito’s act that crowned him Mr. Massapequa.