Senior wins Mr. Bulldog crown

WAUCONDA – For Adam Velk, winning the crown at Wauconda High School's Turnabout Dance just wasn't enough.

He wanted something a little more manly. Something a little more sophisticated.

He wanted to be ... Mr. Bulldog.

"I have, no joke, wanted this since eighth-grade when my neighbor was going to do it," Velk said. "I'm so happy. This is one of the things I wanted to get done in high school."

The senior had to outperform the antics of five fellow classmates, including knife juggling by junior Josh Fugle; a live band performance vocally led by junior James Tagorda; and "karaoke to the death" by senior Mike Malisheski.

He had to overcome the embarrassment of being the Turnabout King portrayed in a video shot by his best friend, senior Sam Theys.

And though he lost the doughnut-eating contest to junior Matt Kovac – and lost quite a few doughnuts in his dump bucket, as well – he managed to woo the judges into awarding him the title he craved through his stunts of danger and wonder and suave answers to tough questions.

Did he deserve it?

"Oh yeah," Fugle said. "He's the loudest, most obnoxious kid at Wauconda ever."

Did people expect him to win?

"Yes, I did," said Velk's father, John. "He's worked very hard. He certainly loves Wauconda and the high school, and there's a light about him. He's a special kid."

Did his best friend forgive him for claiming the crown?

"It hurts good," said Theys, who had already earned a crown at prom earlier in the year.

The competition was facilitated by the Varsity Club, a group of varsity athletes committed to raising school spirit.

"The kids love it; the place goes nuts, and it's a bunch of fun," club facilitator Ryan Shifley said.

Though the Mr. Bulldog Competition was primarily fun, the underlying purpose of the event was rooted in seriousness.

Money raised through ticket sales to the event will go to the American Cancer Society in honor of former WHS student Jack Mead, who succumbed to brain cancer two years ago at the age of 18.

More than $8,000 has been raised through various club events this year.