Mr. ND pageant marks third year
Samantha Raneri
News Writer
Ten Notre Dame men competed for the glory title "Mr. ND" Thursday night in the LaFortune ballroom. The third annual Walsh Hall-sponsored event showcased the eclectic talents of the participants ranging from singing to reciting self-composed poetry.
While ten dorms were represented in the contest, only representatives from Knott, Dillon, Morrissey, Fisher and Keough made the cut for the third and final round. The competition was tight, but in the end Mr. Keough, Judah Wilson, was able to win over not only the crowd, but the judges as well.
The night began as contestants strutted their stuff across the ballroom stage with their own Walsh Hall escort and a single flower. Hosted by freshman Walsh resident Summer Shea, the pageant marked the final event in Walsh's Wild Week, which concludes tomorrow night with their hall dance.
In the first round of competition, designed to reveal individual personality, each contestant took to the stage and highlighted the significance of his attire. Wilson was able to achieve the look that he said embodied "refinement, elegance, and class," with an appropriately worn "ND" tie and outlet-mall shoes. His favorite element of his outfit was his glasses, which allowed for the apparel to be "easily convertible to the cunning intellectual look," that he sported so well.
The second round began with the pageant's runner-up, Mr. Dillon, singing a crowd-pleasing rendition of "Part of that World" from Disney's "The Little Mermaid." His performance, complemented by interpretive dance movements, left its mark as a highlight of the night.
Mr. Fisher was also able to stir up the crowd later in the round with a salute to music of the 1980s complete with dance moves and spandex. But it was the winner, Mr. Keough, who stuck with Frank Sinatra's time-honored "The Way You Look Tonight," impressing the ladies and earning enthusiastic applause.
After the elimination of five contestants, the third round, or "Q & A" period, commenced with Mr. Knott contending that if he were no longer in the realm of humankind, he would like to personify a star fruit, because they are "odd and unknown."
After much anticipation, during which the final five contestants anxiously held hands, Wilson's triumph was announced. The sophomore transfer student was then awarded flowers and a crown, as well as a $40 gift certificate to Best Buy.
Of his first official pageant, Wilson said, " It was a great experience— so much fun. Everyone was friendly backstage." He additionally revealed that the key to his success that evening was simply being well prepared.
Finally, Wilson, who volunteered to represent his dorm, said that he would like to, "Thank the guys of 2A, especially Q-Tip." Although a modest winner, the new Mr. ND disclosed that while he plans to continue participating in pageants, he is now going to travel to Disney World and promote world peace.
All News Stories for Friday, September 27, 2002
