He’s beauty and he’s grace; he’s king of 50 states. Well actually, for now, just Whitman.

After two hours of jokes, music and cheesy pick-up lines, senior Adam Joel was crowned victorious at the annual Mr. Whitman pageant Friday May 16. Senior Max Vogel won Mr. Congeniality.

The annual pageant featured 10 senior boys who competed for the crown through an introductory dance, formal wear segment, talent portions, interviews and two elimination rounds.

While battling it out, some went the musical route—Jordan Bernstein, Zach Page and Nathaniel Sherman all sang, while Abraar Ahmad beat-boxed and Jordan Wolff played drums in a Jazz quartet.

Max Vogel performed an original piece of slam poetry, while Harrison Holt and Kourosh Ashtary chose to do videos. Holt performed his own rendition of a scene from Risky Business and Ashtary gave a guide on “how to get ready for a party.”

Taking a unique approach, Wes Slaughter battled a “bear” with a light saber, hoping to please the three judges (math teacher Tyler Wilkinson, chemistry teacher Jasen Gohn and physics teacher Ellen Polster).

Joel’s dance moves and his vivacious 81-year-old partner, his grandmother, were definitely a crowd favorite. The audience roared as Joel twisted and spun his spunky grandmother to the 1950’s classic, “Tequila” by The Champs.

“That was the highlight of the entire show,” freshman Maddie Wislar said.

Even though the audience seemed to love Joel’s performances, Joel wasn’t convinced that he had earned his title.

“I thought Zach Page or Wes Slaughter would win,” Joel said.

Aside from a few minor malfunctions, including broken microphones, the contestants and audience remained enthusiastic, with thunderous cheers after every performance.

“I think it’s a really awesome event, I think it’s really fun,” senior director Maisy Deans said. “It’s funny, and is just like some good comedic relief.”

***Video by Naba Khan and Julian Robinson.***