Alpha Phi hosted its 12th annual King of Hearts male pageant, which raises money for women’s heart health research, on Thursday, Nov. 7. Ten men involved in organizations on campus competed and showed off their talents at the Merryman Performing Arts Center.
Carter Moss, Mr. KHOP, was crowned Mr. King of Hearts and said the other nine competitors made the experience enjoyable.
“I really liked working with the other dudes, it was just great,” Moss said. “ I think any of us could’ve been Mr. King of Hearts. (I) love those guys, and they did great work– it wasn’t just me.”
The pageant began with a group dance followed by the introduction of each candidate and their individual talents, all of which was reviewed by a panel of five judges. Luke Pryzmus, last year’s Mr. King of Hearts, also came back to perform a singing and dancing routine.
Aside from Mr. King of Hearts, three other men were awarded with titles.
Jack Aschwege, Mr. Pi Kappa Alpha, was Mr. People’s Choice, which was decided based on how many audience members voted for him. Each dollar donated by audience members equaled one vote for their favorite candidate.
Aaron Osmond, Mr. Tennis, was awarded Mr. Congeniality, and Carter Schultz, Mr. Delta Tau Delta, was named Mr. Talented.
Other contestants in the pageant were Trey Coalson (Mr. Sigma Phi Epsilon), Jack Aschwege (Mr. Pi Kappa Alpha), Andrew Howard (Mr. Sigma Tau Gamma), Gus Neary (Mr. Exercise Science), Hank Hudson (Mr. Football), AJ Raszler (Mr. Cross Country) and Eli Jarecke (Mr. Phi Delta Theta).
Despite all the competitors, women’s heart health was the real star of the show.
“To me, this was all for charity,” Moss said. “I’d really like to thank the people in my act. They made it all worth it in the end and so did everything that we’re doing here for charity. That’s what it’s all about.”
Macie Farber, Alpha Phi’s vice president of diversity, equity and inclusion, said this pageant has been in the works since April.
Contestants started practicing for the pageant in September, where they met twice a week and prepared their group dance and individual performances.
Proceeds from the event are given to the Alpha Phi Foundation in support of women’s heart health. Farber said money for the foundation is raised from the $10 entry fee, raffle tickets and donations.
Eliana Livingston, Alpha Phi’s director of philanthropy, said it’s always nice to see the Kearney community come together in support of an important cause.
“My favorite part would be everyone working together – everyone in Alpha Phi and also all the contestants,” Livingston said. “It’s pretty special that guys are taking time to support women’s heart health. I just think it’s really cool, and seeing community members and students from UNK coming and supporting just for one cause is my favorite.”
There were 541 tickets sold and over $8,700 raised for the Alpha Phi Foundation.
Photos by Jenna Heinz / Antelope Staff
