Event to Crown Mr. and Miss State High, Benefit Charity

State College Area High School’s DECA group has planned an exciting event, a showcase that will culminate with the naming of ‘Mr. State High’ and ‘Miss State High.’

The event is scheduled for 6 to 8:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 20, at the high school’s North Auditorium.

In past years only a “Mr. State High” was chosen — David Narehood last year and Justin Kurtz in 2016. This year, DECA wanted to open the competition to more people and increase spectators, as well, so the ‘Miss State High’ category was added for 2018.

State High’s DECA is an organization focused on business and marketing. According to the group’s Facebook page, DECA prepares emerging leaders and entrepreneurs in marketing, finance, hospitality and management.

According to Sophia Rallis, a senior at State High and the president of DECA, the DECA Showcase honors Alex’s Lemonade Stand, which benefits childhood cancer patients and research.

“We will crown a Mr. State High and a Miss State High,” said Rallis. “The contestants must perform in a talent portion and then answer questions from the judges, Mimi Barash Coppersmith and Sue Paterno.”

The judges’ ratings are a large part of the points collected. The contestants also gain points by collecting donations. Showcase attendees will have an opportunity to vote by placing donations in their favorite contestants’ buckets.

Rallis had a committee to help organize the event, and she credits Madison Flanders, another State High senior, for helping her throughout the planning. The contestants will be dressed as befits their kingly and queenly status with help from Diamonds and Lace and Men’s Wearhouse in State College.

The evening is a bargain, at only $5 for students and $10 for the public and promises good entertainment for a good cause.