A dozen young men vied for the title of Mr. GHS last Thursday afternoon on the stage of the Greenville High School Auditorium.

With a sixties theme apparent by the giant “peace” signs on stage, the 12 contestants made their entrance from the back of the auditorium, sporting tie-dye, bell bottoms, afros, headbands and more hippie gear to the cheers and applause of their fellow students. Changing into suits and sportswear, the contenders had yet another chance to impress the judges with their sense of style and stage presence.

The twelve were judged on creativity of their costumes, stage presence and overall appearance.

Perennial crowd favorite and campus clown Jon McCann once again took the award for Mr. Personality, as voted on by his fellow contenders. McCann, who managed to work his famous Captain Cow costume into the competition, also took second runner-up honors.

Charleston Lymon, who suavely sported a striking pale pink suit and black fedora, took first runner-up honors. Lydell Bell, who impressed in his striking white and gold suit ensemble, took top honors and was crowned Mr. GHS 2008-2009.

Also participating in the annual fundraiser for the yearbook staff were Anthony Savage, Will Corley, Dempsey Yelder, Woodrow Briggs, Kendal Roper, Clay Branum, Casey Tesmer and Tyler Phelps. The GHS dance team also entertained with a high-energy 60s-influenced number.

Yearbook sponsor Naomi Pryor lauded all those involved in the event, with GHS students serving as emcees, escorts, light, sound and curtain personnel, and set designers.

“Other than these few minutes that I speak, this is truly a student-run production,” Pryor said with pride.