The Performing Arts Center was packed last night with students, parents, and faculty judges as eleven senior boys fought for the crown and the title of Mr. LZ 2016.

The top three “Mr. LZ” finishers were seniors Nick Sanders, second runner up; Derek Rogers, runner up; and Robert Witkowski, Mr. LZ.

An audience favorite was the Q&A with the final five contestants remaining. Rogers got asked the question, “If you could go back in time and give some advice to your parents about raising their kids, what would it be and why?” He responded, without skipping a beat, “Probably just eat healthier. I don’t like vegetables or fruits because I don’t like anything that isn’t chips or fries. But I probably still won’t [eat healthier] though.”

The night was filled with lip-syncing, skits, and contestant talents. But in the end, what grabbed the audience’s heart was the “Dear Mom” letters.

In Witkowski’s letter, he read to the audience, “Dear Mom…If we could somehow bottle and reproduce your hugs alone, I swear we could have world peace tomorrow.”

Even though Witkowski won Mr. LZ, he says he is thankful for the other contestants and this unique experience.

“After our initial opening dance, we just knew this was it. We could do it. This was going to be fun. We were all really really nervous, but we were all really glad to be a part of it,” Witkowski said. “I’m really glad I got to spend [Mr. LZ] with these guys. They are so funny, like all of them in a room, it’s hilarious.”