In a pre-pandemic world, West Essex students scrambled to buy tickets during lunch for the event of the year: Mr. West Essex. People happily paid $20 to see some of the senior boys participate in their version of a beauty pageant, dancing around on stage, performing skits and finding out who gets to take home the title of Mr. West Essex at the end of the evening. Unfortunately, the 2020 pageant was canceled due to COVID-19, and it has not happened since then. 

This year, there has been much question as to whether or not Mr. West Essex has been in the works, most people assuming that it will not be happening this school year. However, Andrea Mondadori business teacher and organizer of previous Mr. West Essex shows, has recently confirmed that Mr. West Essex will make its triumphiant return on June 9.

“I’m very interested to see the personalities we have,” Mondadori said. “I’m most excited to see what kind of talent we have in the senior class.”

Prior to the announcement that it would happen, seniors were very disappointed that they would not be able to participate in or watch the pageant.

“I am really upset,” said senior Samara Schiffman before the announcement. “Mr. West Essex is a really fun thing for the senior class and it’s a good fundraiser. Plus, I was looking forward to working on tech for it.”

But, when it was officially announced that Mr. West Essex would be happening, the senior class and Mondadori could not have been more excited to see what the contestants will have in store.

“I feel our grade will do a really amazing job with it,” said senior Jillian Lucciano.

The uncertainty surrounding Mr. West Essex this year makes the confirmation that much sweeter and more exciting. While it was previously assumed that the show would not take place, seniors are pleasantly surprised and cannot wait to see what’s in store for June 9.