LT’s beloved tradition, Mr. LT, took to the stage once again for its 12th year. The male pageant, open to juniors and seniors, offers participants the chance to showcase their talents, have fun and most importantly raise money for a meaningful cause.

“[My favorite part is] knowing that [competitors’] efforts not only entertain the community but also raise a lot of money for the Jack Kunkle Memorial Scholarship Foundation,” Director of Student Activities Peter Geddeis said. 

The event was first held in 2014, and Jack Kunkle was named the inaugural winner. Tragically, Kunkle passed away following the competition due to a recurrent brain tumor. Since then, Mr. LT has evolved into a highly anticipated annual event, bringing students together in a lighthearted competition featuring an array of talents, entertaining performances and friendly rivalry. 

“The contestants rehearse once a week for about a month, primarily learning the opening dance,” Geddeis said. “As we get closer to the week of the show, they start to develop their acts for the talent portion of the show. The last week is the most intense as we ramp up rehearsals, four or five during the course of the week, and rehearse all aspects of the show: Opening Dance, Swimsuit, Talent, and Formalwear/Q&A.”

Beyond the structured performances, Mr. LT offers contestants a unique sense of creative freedom. Participants get to choose their own walk out songs, design their talent performances, and even decide how they want to answer the question and answer position, either with humor or sincerity. 

“You get free reign on your talent,” returning contestant Artist Dingle-Guynn ‘25 said.

 “We have singers, but you can also do something completely different—like eat 30 tater tots in 10 seconds if you want to. It’s all about whatever you want to do.”

The event isn’t solely about individual performances, it also fosters a sense of camaraderie among participants. Many students enter the competition acquainted with one another but leave as close friends, having shared weeks of rehearsals, inside jokes and the thrill of performing. 

“Watching the behind-the-scenes growth of the talents is really good,” Dingle-Guynn said. “Just bonding with the other guys—some of them I knew a little bit before, but after Mr. LT, we hang out and talk.” 

The contest ends with a rose ceremony, during which the final eight contestants are recognized before announcing the final three. While the competition aspect adds excitement, the true spirit of Mr. LT lies in the connections formed and the confidence built by those who participate, explained Dingle-Guynn.

“I’m proud of the chances that the contestants take each year, putting themselves out there to entertain the community and to raise money,” Geddeis said.

This year Mr. LT took  place on Saturday, March 15 at 7 p.m. in the Reber Center, after LION’s print deadline. Tickets sold for $5, with all proceeds going to the Jack Kunkle Memorial Scholarship Fund.