This previously ran in our February 2022 print issue.

Emmaus High School Student Government Association last month hosted the annual Mr. Emmaus pageant. 

The tradition is a competition among boys of the senior class, one that took a brief pause last year due to the pandemic. This year’s contest looked different, but it still returned in full swing with masked students and families filling the seats of the auditorium, anxiously waiting to watch. 

 A panel of judges, composed of EHS faculty and staff, evaluates the contestants on a series of categories: swimwear, talent, and formal wear. The three contestants with the greatest total score move on to the final round. The candidates are then asked questions, and from there the victor is selected. 

This year, six young men of the senior class competed for the esteemed title, but only one could prevail. Quinn Scott’s speed-eating of a Big Mac and the duet rendition of “Promiscuous” by Nelly Furtado performed by Nick Velde and Liam Porecca may have earned them laughs from their audience, but not a sufficient score to make it into the top three contestants. 

Jared Speicher’s sock puppet comedy act and Jeremiah Sohna’s impressive piano recital pushed them into the final round. The finalists were asked questions, allowing for the judges to make the decision of who would receive the $100 prize.  

The panel of judges made the ultimate choice to eliminate Speicher and Sohna. Instead, Patrick Bova, with his exceptional pogo-sticking and impressive scuba gear, wowed the judges, earning him the crown and the accolade. The Stinger sat down with 2021-2022’s Mr. Emmaus, post-victory. 

Stinger: What do you think set you apart from your competitors?

Bova: I believe my confidence and my polarizing stage presence set me apart from my tough competition. 

Stinger: What would you say to the people who finished behind you?

Bova: It was a fun competition between all the people competing, and we will all remember that night with some good laughs. Also, better luck next year. 

Stinger: To whom do you attribute your success? 

Bova: I credit my mother with some of my confidence but also my lovely escort Peyton Sisonick. 

Stinger: What do you plan to do with your $100 prize?

Bova: I plan to donate the money to Jared Speicher’s Shave for the Brave fundraiser.