Published: February 03, 2010 01:49 pm      

Mr. Zionsville goes ‘heroic’

Fifteen Zionsville Community High School students were still able to “save the day,” despite a minor setback in the Performing Arts Center at the beginning of the Mr. Zionsville competition.

The Wednesday, Jan. 27, competition was delayed by one hour, when firefighters were called to the center due to smoke. The foggy conditions — and the subsequent alarm — were the result of theatrical smoke created for the evening’s performance.

Still, those in the auditorium had to be evacuated until firefighters could verify that nothing more serious was going on, Zionsville Fire Department Deputy Chief Brian Miller said.

With the help of Zionsville Police officers, the PAC was emptied, and determined to be safe, and the audience started filtering back into the auditorium at approximately 7 p.m.

Contestants included Neal Anderson, Roberto Campos, Drew Clayton, Adam Collins, Joey Frechin, Chris Fuqua, Paul Gabor, Zachary Grauberger, Mack Hamilton, Taylor Hypes, Jordan Lyons, Dane McDonald, TJ Pancake, Aaron Richter and Joe Wyckof.

The theme of this year’s show was “Heroes: Bam! We’re here to save you.” Each participant presented a talent, answered questions and participated in a physical fitness routine. In addition, other senior class members performed humorous skits that followed the “heroic” theme.

This year’s Mr. Zionsville winner was Taylor Hypes. AJ Richter won for Mr. Talent and Roberto Campos won for Mr. Spirit.

“I thought that this year’s program went really well,” Co-coordinator Jill Chickedantz said. “I was very impressed with the performances, and the contestants, emcees, skit participants and crew were easy to work with. I had many people tell me that these contestants were some of the most talented that they had ever seen.”

Laura Haehl, also co-coordinator, agreed.

“The students were a great group this year,” she said. “The contestants were very enthusiastic and got along well with us, with each other and with the student directors.”

The junior class planned and hosted the event as a fundraiser for the 2010 prom, which is April 24 at the Indianapolis Children’s Museum.