Mr. Muscatine is MHS’s annual beauty pageant for senior boys. Each year, contestants compete in a series of competitions, trying to win the title of the town while raising money for MCSA. This year’s contestants are Michael Hurlbut, Miguel Antonio-Pena, Yadiel Rivera, Max Beccerra, and Carter Kaufman. Get to know each of them before you cast your vote.

Michael: Percussion, strings, and punchlines

Most contestants involved have a slight idea as to why they were nominated: from involvement in school to impressions among the senior class, everyone has a reason why they think they were chosen. Michael assumes his amusing nature and sheer luck won him a spot among the other contestants.

“I guess I’m just funny.”

Aside from cracking jokes, Michael likes to spend time playing instruments and practicing music. In high school, he is involved with the symphony orchestra, full symphony, and mariachi, playing the viola. At home, he likes to practice alternative metal songs on both the guitar and drums. 

Though he’s yet to figure out his secret talent (since it can’t be anything musical), he’s most excited for the events that show off who he is, like the fishbowl questions and creating an outfit.

Miguel: Short king, big art

Without being cocky, Miguel acknowledges that he is known around MHS. 

“Anytime, like, someone talks about me, I feel like they’re like, ‘oh, Miguel? Yeah, I know him, the short little guy over there.”

He is involved academically at MHS with the National Honor Society, peer mentoring, tutoring, Tri-M, and the MHS Auroran’s newspaper. He also has a musical side, with him playing the viola in both symphony orchestra and mariachi.

Outside of classes, you may recognize his silly art style and comics he posts on social media. Miguel hopes to use this art skill for the secret talent portion of the pageant.

“I’m thinking of doing a really hyper-realistic drawing of Kason riding a lion. I think that would be so funny.”

He’s excited for Tuesday and hopes to win over the hearts of the MHS student body. 

“I believe that people should vote for me, because I would say that I’m a pretty silly guy. I feel like I’m outgoing. a lot of people generally have good thoughts about me”

Yadi: Blasting notes and giving back

Since junior year, Yadiel knew he was going to do Mr. Muscatine, with or without a nomination.

“There’s been a low effort of our senior classes here in a way, and a bit last year too. Last year, Mr. Muscatine almost got canceled for like the same reason.”

Fundraising and involvement are especially important to Yadi; being in the student council means he’s already done work to raise money for charity, but Mr. Muscatine has given him the chance to try it by himself. By selling treats, he was able to raise over $200 in two days and spread the word about his being a contestant.

Along with being involved in the school, Yadi does everything the school offers for trombone players. 

“If you ask any teacher in the music program, they could tell you about me.”

He goes above and beyond with his performance in the band. He transitioned from jazz to jazz ensemble, an audition-only group. He moved up from concert band to wind ensemble as well. Outside of those groups, he plays trombone in marching band, pep band, and in the pit for musicals. Yadi also takes the title of section leader for the trombones, with this being his second year. 

He doesn’t only get excited to play his trombone; Yadi is also excited for the improv fishbowl challenges during the pageant. 

I’m excited for the improv, the fishbowl challenges. Um, because I just, I don’t know. 

“I find it funny to see what there is, just out of the blue, like, what are you gonna do now?”

Max: Wrestles hard, plays fast, sings loud

Whether you’ve seen him on the soccer field or wrestling mat, you should definitely know who Max Becerra is. He is stepping out of the playing field and trying something new as a contestant in the. Muscatine pageant. Until now, he hasn’t had an opportunity to be involved in something bigger than himself.

”I really haven’t done anything like this, so I think they picked me just ’cause I haven’t competed or done any fundraisers.” 

In school, Max takes the required classes, but outside of school, he’s usually at practice for one of his sports.

“I do soccer and wrestling.”

The other events will all be just a warm-up for the blind karaoke, which Max is most excited for.

“I’m a good singer.” 

With a good background knowledge of popular songs and confidence to perform, the others will have to battle against max. The contest will be new to him, but that doesn’t stop him from having fun and trying his best.

“I have a lot of energy, and I love to talk to people and just make them happy.” 

Carter: Cows, careers, and combos

The secretly charming and quiet guy, Carter, hopes to win over the crowd by being the underdog of the competition. You may know him from his involvement in FFA or image, or from being the best worker McDonald’s has ever had.

Carter is most excited for the speed dating portion of the contest and trusts that he can smooth-talk McKenna.

Aside from his clubs and rizz, he knows the crowd will grow to love him as the competition goes on.

“I’m nice, kind, and just him.” 

Who are you voting for? Let us know in the comments who you think will win!