Anthony Gonzalez was crowned Mr. Vineland on Thursday in the 30th annual competition in front of a loud and enthusiastic large crowd at Vineland High School South.
Gonzalez was one of 12 candidates selected by senior girls to vie for the prestigious title. He enjoys playing drums, working out, and playing baseball. After graduation, he plans to enlist in the United State Air Force. Gonzalez, Mr. February in the contest, received his crown and sash from VHS South Principal Jacqueline Roman-Alvarez and Mr. Vineland 2023, Judah Walters. Gonzalez worked the crowd up early in the talent portion by performing an impressive drum routine with fellow members of the VHS Marching Clan drumline.
Each contestant was scored in the following areas: casual attire, talent, and formal attire. The field was then narrowed down to five finalists, who answered the final question posed by host Dan Kuzma, VHS social studies teacher.
Gonzalez was asked about his favorite memory from his time at VHS. Gonzalez chose the memory of his final competition with the marching band. He expressed how much he has enjoyed the time performing with his classmates and how exciting it was performing for so many of his friends, family members, and members of the community.
First runner-up was Pedro Noguez Perez, Mr. September. If, for some reason, Gonzalez is unable to fulfill his duties as Mr. Vineland, Noguez Perez will assume that post. Second runner up was Yoan Feliz, Mr. December. Third runner up was Conor DiRocco. Mr. August. Rounding out the group as fourth runner up was Mr. November, Trey Rosas.
The other contestants included Rahsaun Jeffrey, Jeremy Flores, Prit Patel, Zakher Armstrong, Christian Alvarado, Collin Graiff, and Joseph Ansara.
Also livening up the evening were a variety of performances from fellow classmates. The Vineland High School Dance Program performed twice, there was a preview of the upcoming Cap ‘N’ Dagger Spring Musical, “We’re All Made of Stars,” and a medley of Queen songs performed on the piano by sophomore Brett Brosh, recent winner of the VHS Battle of the Classes talent show.
Judges were: Board of Education member Dennis Rivera; former superintendent Dr. Mary Gruccio; Rossi School special education teacher and Mr. Vineland 2016 second runner up, Jeff Martine; and Sgt. Nicholas Sterchele and Officer Ashley Arocho from the Vineland Police Department. Scores were tabulated by David Hart of the Vineland Public Schools Finance Department.
Funds raised from ticket sales and calendars with photos of each contestant sold at the pageant will be used to help pay for the senior prom.
Former Mayor Ruben Bermudez, owner of Juvante Formal Wear, was publicly thanked by Kuzma for providing the tuxedos worn by the contestants each year of the pageant without charge.
Special thank you to Class of 2024 advisors Julia Madrid and Elliott DeShields, assistant principal Kim Rivera, and everyone else who helped make the event a success.
The program was videotaped by VPS TV and will air on our YouTube channel, VLDSchoolsTV, soon.
Please click the following link for a gallery of photos from the event: https://bit.ly/3TZ6927