Big Man On Campus Fundraiser For and By Youth Brings Laughs, Local Winner

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By: Laura Ferguson

It came down to a dance from “Napoleon Dynamite.” Andrew Beaver from Signature School and Brennen Yancey from Mater Dei High School received the top two scores from judges at Youth Resources’ Big Man On Campus, and they both performed Pedro’s dance from the 2004 cult classic film as their talent. Beaver edged Yancey in a down-to-the-wire contest, but their new-found friendship remained.

Launched in 2010, Big Man On Campus is a male pageant competition and fundraiser planned by the high school members of Youth Resources’ Teen Advisory Council (TAC). Proceeds from the event support 150 TAC members’ community service throughout the year – over 3,000 hours in 2016 – and their 5:55am meetings every other Friday before school. The event features senior contestants from local schools who spend the evening highlighting their smarts, talent, charisma and school spirit through the show’s four segments.

Last year’s Big Man On Campus crew was arguably the most talented yet. They sang, acted, magicked playing cards right in front of the judges’ eyes, danced Pedro’s dance and Indian bhangra and played piano. There was never a dull moment on stage, and the crowd of over 250 was enthusiastic for their school’s contestant. Mr. Castle, Sahib Sooch, won Crowd Favorite based on audience votes and donations, and Mr. Central, Andrew Eberhard, won Mr. Congeniality as voted on by the contestants.

This year, seven outstanding seniors are representing their schools in the contest to be held on Thursday, February 16 at North High School. Doors open at 5:30pm and the show starts at 6pm. Tickets are $5 for students and $10 for adults. Don’t forget your dollars and change to vote for Crowd Favorite!

Good luck to these awesome contestants!

Mr. Castle – Freddie Coudret
Mr. Central – Max Brown
Mr. Mater Dei – Austin Clausheide
Mr. Memorial – Mitchell Mattingly
Mr. North – Jimmy Hoang
Mr. Reitz – Andy Hoffman
Mr. Signature – Connor Pratt

For more information on Big Man On Campus, visit www.youth-resources.org/bmoc.

Laura Ferguson is the Executive Director at Youth Resources of Southwestern Indiana.