On Sept. 27, Lakeland students gathered for the first ever Mr. & Ms. Muskie event. A competition between student leaders, contestants were either self-nominated or were nominated by their peers. 

 The night started off with a short performance by the Lakeland dance and cheer team followed by a “Dress to Impress” competition. The contestants briefly introduced themselves as they strutted out on stage.  

 The first contestant for Ms. Muskie was Paradize Wallace, a sophomore biochemistry major emphasizing in pre-med. Originally from Chicago, Wallace has been dancing since she was five. She continues today as a part of the Lakeland cheer and dance team.  

 Stenisha Bowen, a freshman from Milwaukee, is the first person to go to college from her family. At Lakeland she is studying psychology and is also minoring in business. Although this is her first year at Lakeland, Bowen is involved in multiple student organizations including Black Student Union, the cheer and dance team and Psychology Club. 

 Natsuki Saito is a student from the Lakeland Japan campus. She is majoring in hospitality management and hopes to one day own an international hotel. Here at Lakeland, she is involved in the Global Student Association, Asian Student Union, the cheer and dance team and Hospitality Club. 

 Aaliyah Lewis-McCollum is a senior from Chicago. She majors in English and has a minor in writing. Her hobbies include singing and dance. She was in last year’s musical “Avenue Q.” Her ultimate career goal in life is to be editor-in-chief of a major magazine such as Vogue. 

 The first contestant for Mr. Muskie was Christopher Jackson. He is a senior from Chicago majoring in sports management and leadership. On campus, he is involved in the Black Student Union and Beta Sigma Omega fraternity. He also plays for the Lakeland football team. After graduation, he plans on starting up a nonprofit organization in Texas with fellow Lakeland student Diante Moses. 

 Elijah Santiago is a freshman business major emphasizing in hospitality management. He plays football at Lakeland and is a part of the Black Student Union as well the Asian Student Union on campus. 

 Sam Bartlett is in his third year here at Lakeland. He is originally from Racine, Wis. and is studying biochemistry with minors in both math and criminal justice. Bartlett is involved in the Black Student Union and Fellowship of Christian Athletes. He also plays on the football team. After graduation, he hopes to work in the forensic science field. 

 The final Mr. Muskie contestant was Cedric Logan, a senior from Evanston, Ill. Logan is majoring in sports management and leadership. After graduation he hopes to return home and coach for his youth football team. Currently, Logan is involved with the Black Student Union and Beta Sigma Omega fraternity on campus. Like many of the other contestants, he also plays for the Lakeland football team. 

 After the “Dress to Impress” portion of the show, each contestant showcased their talents for the judges. Wallace, Saito, and Bartlett showed off their dance skills. Lewis-McCollum and Jackson sang a duet together. Bowen read a poem she wrote and Santiago performed spoken word. 

 To conclude the night, all contestants came out in their Lakeland Muskie apparel. After all the points were tallied from the five judges, Saito was crowned Ms. Muskie and Bartlett was crowned Mr. Muskie.