Westley Heiss won Mr. LHS 2025 after competing against seven other contestants on Thursday, Nov. 21, in the P1FCU Performing Arts Center.
For two hours the audience was filled with anticipation and laughter as the contestants worked to make an impression on the judges. After an auditorium-wide drum roll, the crowd erupted as Heiss was named Mr. LHS. Heiss was given a $75 gift card to Hot Shots, a free movie pass, a $25 gift card to Waffles n’ More, a $50 gift card to Happy Day Restaurant, and $100 cash.
The other seven contestants each possessed their own sense of humor and delivered it fully. Contestants included: Asher Feucht, Cole Guzman, Joe Hill, Nathan King, Wyatt Laney, Kenichi Parkhurst and Jeremy Yoder.
Laney was named first runner-up and Parkhurst was the second runner-up.
They each competed in events including fitness, talent, composure, interviews and swimwear. For the talent competition, highlights included performances titled “Dirty Dancing” and “Monkey See, Monkey Do,” along with stand-up comedy.
Feucht was awarded a gift basket as the fitness winner. Parkhurst won for swimwear while Guzman won for talent. Hill earned the award for composure, and Laney was awarded for his interview.
Before the curtains opened
Behind a full auditorium, the eight contestants sat in the back dressing rooms awaiting their time to shine.
Feucht shared his motivation for competing in Mr. LHS.
“I want to make a legacy for myself, and being in Mr. LHS will solidify me as the greatest of all time,” Feucht said.
Heiss had thoughts on handling nerves in front of the full auditorium.
“It’s just one of those things where we have to be able to overcome the nerves. It all comes down to the next-play mentality…” Heiss said. “We mess up once and it does not mean it’s over, because the next play means we have another shot.”
Then to hype up the group, Heiss began a chant of motivation. Standing tall on a chair, he blasted “Hall of Fame” by The Script from a phone.
Then Heiss shouted out: “We’re going to go out there, and we’re going to give it the effort mentality!”
The group then repeated the cheer: “Hashtag mentality, hashtag effort, and hashtag next play mentality!”
The payoff
After two hours of entertainment, people gathered to congratulate the winners. Immediately after being draped in a purple cape and white sash, Heiss provided insight into the moment.
“It’s surreal…I feel amazing,” Heiss said. “Everyone did a great job. I thought it was an amazing show and amazing people. We turned out victorious, which is all that matters.”
He said he would recommend joining Mr. LHS to upcoming seniors.
“Just do it and participate because it’s a fun social event,” Heiss said.
