Former Mr. Parkland on 'Today' Show Wednesday

Parkland graduate Ben Mays is scheduled to be on NBC's 'Today' show on Wednesday as part of the Penn State a capella group, The Statesmen.

Former "Mr. Parkland" Ben Mays is expected to be on NBC's Today show in New York Wednesday as part of the a capella group, The Statesmen. Mays' mother, Ronnette, tells Patch that the all-male group, which has 12 members, is two years old and will be on the Today show as part of Varsity Week. The group has a posting on its Facebook page. According to a posting on Onward State, the idea for the group was hatched at a party but has become popular quickly, performing at university events. Ben Mays is quoted as saying, "What started simply as a crazy idea at a party has materialized into an award-winning, tight-knit group of twelve proud Penn State guys singing. We’re all very, very close.” The group is expected to perform on "Today" at about 9…

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Mr. Parkland 2013 is Marcus Spiegel [Video]

Marcus Spiegel tops 14 of his classmates in the 2013 'Mr. Parkland' competition at Parkland High School.

Mr. Parkland 2013 is Marcus Spiegel [Video]

Marcus Spiegel tops 14 of his classmates in the 2013 'Mr. Parkland' competition at Parkland High School.

Marcus Spiegel was crowned "Mr. Parkland 2013" at Saturday night's high-spirited competition among 15 students nominated because they are seniors in good academic standing and who are positive role models for students. The Parkland High School contestants were judged on their stage presence, appearance, creativity and talent. Last year's Mr. Parkland was Jeremy Gedeon. Spiegel, who plans to attend Princeton University, played piano and violin for his talent portion of the event. As Mr. Parkland, Spiegel will be the school representative at athletic and performing arts events throughout the 2013 season. The Senior Class benefits from the proceeds of the event and a $500 scholarship go to the winner. This year's contestants were:

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2013 Mr. Parkland to Be Crowned Saturday Night

The 2013 Mr. Parkland event is scheduled to begin Saturday at 7 p.m.

Parkland High School will crown the 2013 Mr. Parkland on Saturday night after a good-spirited competition between 15 young men who were nominated because they are seniors in good academic standing and who are positive role models for students. The event starts at 7 p.m. in the Parkland High School auditorium. Contestants will be judged on their stage presence, appearance, creativity and talent. Last year's Mr. Parkland was Jeremy Gedeon. As Mr. Parkland, the winner will be the school representative at athletic and performing arts events throughout the 2013 season. The Senior Class will benefit from the proceeds and a $500 scholarship goes to the winner. The snow date for this event is Feb. 14. This year's contestants are: Good Luck!

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Mr. Parkland Competition a Hoot

Senior Jeremy Gedeon wins the 2012 title by being creative, talented and a "good guy."

Amid ear-splitting screams and shouts from the audience, Parkland senior Jeremy Gedeon became the 16th annual Mr. Parkland on Saturday night. Hundreds of excited fans filled Parkland High School’s auditorium for the hugely popular male-only competition. Contestants were judged on their stage presence, appearance, creativity and talent. The 17 contestants, each required to be a senior in good academic standing and a positive role model for students, were: As Mr. Parkland, Gedeon will be the school representative at athletic and performing arts events throughout the 2012 season. Last year's winner, Ben Mays, who was one of this year's judges, said the choice came down to who would be the best representative of the school. "At first I was …

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