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Bumgarner, Zaccor Named Mr.
And Ms. Mason 2005-2006

Aided by chef Charlie Himel, Bob Bumgarner was hilarious in his skit titled “Bob’s Death Defying Feats of Stomach Fortitude.”	Ms. Mason winner Jackie Zaccor makes her entrance in the Ms. Mason contest. (Photos by Margaret Lipman and Kit Thrackrey)

Nine Mr. Mason contestants and five Ms. Mason contestants vied for the coveted title in the four-part competition.  The competitors were each nominated by a teacher on the basis of scholarship (a GPA of at least 3.0), school and community involvement, and integrity.  In the first two sections of the contest, the contestants were judged on the “autobiographies” they had written for the program and on their onstage talent.  Five Mr. Mason finalists and three Ms. Mason finalists then moved on to the second two sections, the eveningwear competition and the interview.  The top scoring finalists were then crowned Mr. and Ms. Mason for the 2005-2006 school year.

Five faculty members (Ms. Jordan, Ms. Mears, Mrs. Planas, Mrs. Raeder and Mr. Wilkie) and five students (Sam Atkeson, Isis Hanna, Peter Davis, Andrew Walden, and Ruhee Jaffer) served as the judging panel for the evening. 

The evening began with the contestants displaying their “casual flair” onstage while their bios were read by the event’s emcees, SCA President Emily Walden and VP Emma O’Hara. Next, eighth grader Reilly O’Hara started off the talent portion of the contest, singing “Wannabe” by the Spice Girls.  Freshman Nick Settje then wowed the crowd with his juggling prowess and his uncooperative boom box.

Sophomore Josh Jenkins then shocked the audience by singing Blondie’s “Call Me” while wearing an outfit that would have made Debbie Harry proud – a tank top, skirt, heels, and a blonde wig!  Junior Will Stewart took the stage next to perform his original “Junior Jedi Rap,” about the experiences of a teenage Jedi trying to balance protecting the galaxy with tough IB classes.

Jared Allan, the first senior competitor, then performed the skit “Senior Cheerleaders,” about the spirited Mason Madness section at home basketball games.  Next, senior Eric Brooks performed “a feat of strength,” demonstrating both his comedic and weightlifting talents.  Senior Bob Bumgarner then performed “Bob’s Death Defying Feats of Stomach Fortitude,” in which he ate everything “Chef Charlie Himel” placed before him, including a milkshake with ketchup and sardines and a smelly Spam and spinach sauce sandwich.  Senior Charlie Himel then traded his chef’s hat for some drumsticks (as well as a mini lacrosse stick and a rubber chicken) to have a “guitar and drum battle” with Bumgarner, who seemed to have survived his culinary adventure.  Senior Andy Tonken was the final Mr. Mason competitor, performing the original monologue “What?” about what to do for his Mr. Mason talent, which ended up being the original monologue “What?”  Got that?

After a brief intermission, the five Mr. Mason finalists were announced –- junior Will Stewart and seniors Eric Brooks, Bob Bumgarner, Charlie Himel, and Andy Tonken. 

Senior Perri Cazan started off the Ms. Mason talent competition with an American Idol skit entitled “Can Shorty Spice make it to Hollywood?”  Next, senior Alex Pender demonstrated her archery skills along with her Robin Hood attire.  Senior Kristen Schwind was the next contestant, performing the unique talent of hula hooping while putting on layers of clothing.  Senior Hayley Wood then channeled her inner Mary Poppins and performed “A Spoonful of Sugar.”  Senior Jackie Zaccor was the last contestant, singing and playing her original composition “Barista Blues,” about the exasperating job of a coffee shop barista.   

After a performance by Elyse Krachman and Chantal Cough-Schulze, the three Ms. Mason finalists were announced – Kristen Schwind, Hayley Wood, and Jackie Zaccor.

The evening wear and interview sections followed a performance by Mike Guy and Brandon Graig.  The contestants, each accompanied by an escort, demonstrated their formal wear and poise as they made their entrances on the stage.  Each contestant then had to answer a question posed by one of the judges, such as recalling a favorite teacher or choosing the reality show they would most like to star in. 

While the judges tabulated the final scores, the audience was treated to a hilarious rap from Peter Davis and Daniel Thielman.  Finally, the winners were announced.   Charlie Himel and Andy Tonken tied for second runner-up, Will Stewart was first runner-up, and Bob Bumgarner was the winner of the Mr. Mason competition.  Kristen Schwind was second runner-up, Hayley Wood was first runner-up, and Jackie Zaccor was winner of the Ms. Mason competition.  Bumgarner and Zaccor will fulfill their new titles by participating in the Memorial Day Parade.