Contributed by Barb Bolen, Heritage High School DECA Advisor

On April 15, 2016 Heritage High School’s DECA program sponsored the eighth annual Mr. Eagle competition to raise money for various charities including MAD week, which is a weeklong fundraising event at the school, and the Dystrophic Epidermolysis Bullosa Research Association (debra) in New York City. Debra was chosen among 27 non-profits as part of a class project in Mrs. Bolen’s Marketing class where students were learning about non-profits. James Womack, one of the students in the Marketing class, researched debra and presented his information to the class and students voted on this organization to support. 

Epidermolysis Bullosa is a rare genetic connective tissue disorder that affects 1 out of every 20,000 births in the United States in which there is no treatment or cure. Symptoms of this illness consist of extremely fragile skin that blisters and tears from minor friction or trauma. Money raised from this event was also given to the Freedom Service Dogs of America as part of the Mad week cause. Freedom Service Dogs is a nonprofit organization that enhances the lives of people with disabilities by rescuing dogs and custom training them for individual client needs. Clients include children, veterans and active duty military, and other adults. Heritage High School students voted to support the veterans through this organization.  

A sellout crowd of students, family members, and staff were entertained by senior boys selected by their peers to compete in this event. The evening began with an opening dance, choreographed by the Heritage Belles, and included a talent portion, and formal wear display and a question and answer section. Tuxes for the event were donated by Men’s Wearhouse. Six Heritage teachers and staff members were selected to be judges at this event and graded the boys on areas such as creativity, entertainment, showmanship, confidence, and originality in each category.  

At the end of the evening, Reese Leiker was crowned Mr. Eagle 2016, receiving a cash prize and a plaque which remains in the school. Alex Motler collected the most money during the week from staff and students and was giving the title of “Mr. Moneymaker”. Other contestants included Mattia Cominelli, Kyle Dagg, Austin Fearn, Will Greenway, Keaton Komatz, Micco Martinez, Max Milliman, David Schreiber and Sina Seyedian. This event, once again, proved to be a successful and fun filled evening and will remain a part of the giving community of Heritage High School.

Pictured: Reese Leiker, Mr. Eagle 2016