More than a pretty face

On one ... right arm cocked behind head.

My loneliness is killing me ...

On two ... left arm balanced on hip.

I must confess I still believe ...

Shake your index finger at the audience. Swivel your hips.

When I'm not with you I lose my mind

Give me a siiiiggnnn ...

Cock your head to one side, then to the other. Toe touch, um, toe touch ... toe touch?

Hit me baby one more time.

On any given day, the 22 boys lined up in Jackson High School's gymnasium probably would have preferred being hit one more time to dancing to any Britney Spears song.

But on Monday -- a school holiday destined for snowball fights or daytime TV-- there they were, shaking their snowboots and practicing their jazz hands, all for one night of money-making humiliation, AKA the Mr. JHS contest.

The contest, which the Jackson High School student council uses to raises funds for the local Special Olympics, is in its fourth year and pits senior guys nominated by various school clubs and classes against each other in a dance routine, evening wear and casual wear competition, talent contest and interview.

This year's event begins at 7 p.m. March 3.

Community members serve as judges and emcees help coordinate the night's event. Admission fees for the audience raise money for the charity. In past years, the council has earned as much as $1,000 for Special Olympics.

The stakes aren't too high -- the winner receives the title, a plaque and a page dedicated to him in the yearbook, but the guys said glory isn't why they participate, it's all for charity.

And the chance to make fools of themselves.

"I wanted to do this to show the community I'm more than a pretty face," explained 18-year-old Austin Clardy.

Eighteen-year-old Gabe Sauer shared in that sentiment, but also wants to prove that "guys can be role models, too."

There are a few rules, like no live animals. That one stems from an incident with a dog a few years ago, explained Sarah Nussbaum, JHS counselor, who helped organize the event.

But the students are free to use other props, such as motorcycles or costumes (past years have seen a senior dressed like a Twinkie, a "Baywatch"-inspired costume and even a Sebastian the crab costume from "The Little Mermaid.")

"It has to be G-rated," said Nussbaum. "But it's really fun to see all of their creativity come out. The guys have fun with it. Girls would take it seriously, but the guys just have fun."

cmiller@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 128

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Want to go?

• What: Mr. JHS fund-raiser for Special Olympics
• Where: Jackson High School
• When: 7 p.m. March 3.
• For information: 243-9513