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Joliet Central announces runners-up, finalists for its 2021 Mr. J and Miss J

2 seniors selected to represent high school each year since 1958

Zachary Hamidi was named Mr. J 2021, and Christine Butler was named Miss J 2021. Joliet Central High School has selected two high school seniors to represent Joliet Central each year since 1958. (Photo provided)

By Denise M. Baran-Unland

On April 21, Joliet Central announced its Mr. and Miss J, along with runners-up and finalists, during a small, socially distanced ceremony in the school’s auditorium.

Zachary Hamidi was named Mr. J 2021, and Christine Butler was named Miss J 2021. The naming of Mr. J and Miss J has been a school tradition since 1958.

Joliet Central staff members rate students who have maintained a cumulative GPA of 3.5 throughout their high school career on character and school involvement to determine the top 10 male and female finalists.

Finalists then are interviewed by a panel of staff and community leaders. The panel rates each student on “personality, poise, activities and service to the school and community,” according to a news release from Joliet Township High School District 204.

Zachary has been active in the Joliet Central choir as a member of the Steeltones and Madrigals, and he has played a leading role in several musical productions.

He served as president of the choir program and participated as a member of the tennis team, math team, presidents club, human relations club and National Honor Society.

Zachary plans to attend Joliet Junior College and study computer science.

Christine has been a member of the softball, volleyball and bowling teams. She also participated in the freshman class committee and has been a member of the Steelmen Athletic Leadership Team.

She plans to study biology at Newberry College and then attend graduate school to become a pharmacist.

Mr. J first runner-up for 2021 is Edward Fiegel, and second runner-up is Keonte’ Lindsey.

Miss J first runner-up is Aileen Gonzalez, and second runner-up is Mackenzie Lange.

Mr. J. 2021 finalists are Alexis Aguirre, Neriah Ayivor, Daniel Carter, Jason Dworak, Edward Fiegel, Zachary Hamidi, William Hansen, Keonte’ Lindsey and Adam Monte.

Joliet Central High School's Mr. J. 2021 finalists are Alexis Aguirre, Neriah Ayivor, Daniel Carter, Jason Dworak, Edward Fiegel, Zachary Hamidi, William Hansen, Keonte’ Lindsey, and Adam Monte. (Photo provided)

Miss J 2021 finalists are Mayte Aguirre, Christine Butler, Quetzalli Garcia, Aileen Gonzalez, Grace Hallihan, Skylar Hauert, R’Shawna Jones, Mackenzie Lange, Xenia Martin del Campo and Casie Walsh.

Joliet Central High School's Miss J 2021 finalists are Mayte Aguirre, Christine Butler, Quetzalli Garcia, Aileen Gonzalez, Grace Hallihan, Skylar Hauert, R’Shawna Jones, Mackenzie Lange, Xenia Martin del Campo, and Casie Walsh. (Photo provided)

Each participant received a gift card and certificates of achievement from the Illinois House of Representatives. Zachary and Christine will be featured on large banners displayed in the Joliet Central cafeteria.

JolietJoliet Township High School District 204Premium
Denise Unland

Denise M. Baran-Unland

Denise M. Baran-Unland is the features editor for The Herald-News in Joliet. She covers a variety of human interest stories. She also writes the long-time weekly tribute feature “An Extraordinary Life about local people who have died. She studied journalism at the College of St. Francis in Joliet, now the University of St. Francis.