Thursday, March 8, 2007 Older Editions

Class Acts

By April Guilmet

Friday night's Mr. Andover High School pageant at the Collins Center promises to deliver the usual array of talent and comic relief, courtesy of this year's junior class.

Now in its 16th year, the event raises money for the class of 2008, helping to pay for events such as the prom. Any additional funds will be given to charities of the students' choice, said class adviser Michelle Chachus, who teaches social studies.

Pam Vose, director of special education, is the other adviser for the show.

Chachus said the contestants will compete in three catagories: sportswear, talent, and tuxedo-clad "dream date," where each contestant describes his ideal date.

"We've been rehearsing for about a month now," said student Laura Vogler.

Both Vogler and classmate Amanda Fiorenza will serve as the event's hostesses and masters of ceremony. They have been busy with duties such as ordering tuxedos for the contestants, and working on scripts.

As for some of the talent acts in store, well, you'll just have to wait until Friday, although a fuzzy black gorilla costume and a light-up rocking horse in primary colors were among the props spotted during Monday's dress rehearsal.

"We'd hate to ruin the surprise," Chachus said. "But expect to see everything from music to interesting takes on television shows."

In keeping with tradition, contestants must be sponsored by a female classmate.

This year's contestants are Santiago Costello, sponsored by Carolyn Damphousse; Nick Platt, sponsored by Padikuor Akufo; Steve Goldshein, sponsored by Sarah Brown; Drew Williams, sponsored by Katie Kelly; Jason Lasser, sponsored by Alexa Moccia; Joe Terranova, sponsored by Betsy Cohen; Reed Spool, sponsored by Rachel Wetmore; Danny Peters, sponsored by Jenn George; Mike Parker, sponsored by Patti Morin; and Corey Desjardins, sponsored by Natalie Gaimari.

Tickets for the 16th annual Mr. Andover High School competition are $10 at door the night of the show; or $7 to students before the show, sold during AHS lunches.

The Collins Center for the Performing Arts is also the Andover High School auditorium, at 80 Shawsheen Road.