By Mark Ambrogi
Hamilton Southeastern High School senior Gentry Hudson wanted to add to his senior memories.
What better way than to enter the Mr. Royal competition, Hudson figured.
“I wanted to try something that I normally wouldn’t do,” Hudson said “I wanted to go out on a limb and go outside my comfort zone. I thought it would be something I would be really glad I did looking back on high school and something I would be proud of.”
Hudson, who is considering majoring in telecommunications, is part of the HSE TV staff and takes part in filming the school announcements.
Mr. Royal, a mock talent show, is set for 7 p.m. on Jan. 29 at the high school’s Leonard Auditorium.
The idea for Mr. Royal came from sponsor Amy Shipley, who helped run the Mr. Zionsville competition when she was a teacher at Zionsville High School for five years.
“We stole it from there,” Shipley said. “I came here in 2002 and we started it then. We were looking for a fundraiser for student council and I suggested this.”
Drew Notar Donato said Mr. Royal is something most Hamilton Southeastern students have watched.
“We’ve all seen upperclassmen that we’ve all kind of looked up to in it,” Notar Donato said. “It’s different to see ourselves in their shows now. It’s kind of surreal but it’s a blast. It’s one final thing to go out with before we graduate.”
Notar Donato has certainly made the most of his high school years. Notar Donato is the president of the National Honor Society and is an intern in the Hamilton County Prosecutor’s Office in Noblesville. Notar Donato, who was a linebacker for the football team, was vice president of student council last school year.
“I hope to be an Eagle Scout by the end of May,” Notar Donato said. “I take a lot of pride in Boys Scouts. I do a lot of stuff with my church, too.”
Notar Donato admitted his dancing skills might not be as strong as some of the other contestants.
“But I think I can hold my own,” he said.
Jill McGrath, who shares sponsor duties with Shipley, serves as the choreographer for the show.
“Since it will be on a Throwback Thursday, this year’s theme is ‘90s icons,” Shipley said.
Hudson will portray the title fictional character from “Forrest Gump” who Tom Hanks played in the 1994 film.
“I’m going to be telling a story with me on a park bench, kind of slurred like Forrest Gump, kind of impersonating him,” Hudson said. “There will be a video in the background and I’ll be narrating.
“There will be a roll call and each character will be announced and do a strut.”
There are a total of 17 contestants expected to take part in Mr. Royal. Other titles to be awarded are Mr. Talent, Mr. Dance, Mr. Entertainment and Mr. ‘90s.
The other contestants are Michael Ewen, Brannt Farris, Trevor Fontan, Tristan Gold, Brian Gradison, Michael Huffer, Ryan Kuhl, Josh Liebano, Josh Martin, Henry Muse, Bryce Reif, Kyle Sams, Adil Shah, Matt White and Grant Woods.
Tickets are $8 in advance, on sale during school lunch hours, and $10 at the door.
“We usually sell out or come close to selling out all 999 seats,” Shipley said.
