20 - Sunday, May 2, 1999 — North Shore News vir. Carson Graham [looks go Pageant heid to raise funds for grad class Deana Lancaster News Reporter deana@nsnews.com THE men of Carson Graham’s graduating class are a handsome and funny bunch. It took judges a paintully slow 10 minutes to select this year’s Ma. Carson Graham dur- ing an entertaining pageant that doubles as a fundraiser tor the grad class. It was litle wonder that the judges — including — this reporter, Jennifer Kellough of Principals Talent Agency, drama teacher Mike Reid, music teacher Janet Warren and grad sponsor Nancy Vondette — had such difficulty making a decision. In the sixth Mr. Carson Graham contest, the grads looked smart in their Gap casu- al wear for the first part of the competition, and even better in tuxedos from Black and Lee Formal Wear. No, the decision could not be based only on appearances — although marks for grace and style did come into play. For part two, the contes- tants were required to wear the gear from their favourite sport- ing, activity. Hockey players, skiers and snowboarders, tennis players, sprinters and swimmers cruised the stage, though few could compete with Jeff Nelson’s extreme ping pong equipment or with the ki to ning-fast remote control draw of Mike Proctor, channel surfer, Highlights from the tal- ent category’ included Chris NEWS photos Brad Ledwidgo JUDGES named Jesse Pierce (left), cruising the stage in casual wear from the Gap, second runner up; Jeff Nelson (centre) in his extreme ping pong gear, first runner up; and Austin Nairn (right), juggling as Sean Connery, Mr. Carson Graham, in this year’s grad class pageant and fundraiser. Armstrong's rendition, in head-te-toe leopard print, of Shania Twain’s That Don’t Impress Me Muclr, The Sean Connery Magic and Juggling Show, by Austin Nairn; and an impressive demonstration of pyrotechnic martial arts by Jesse Pierce. After hearing cach contes- tant give an unrehearsed answer in the public speaking category, the judging panel withdrew to make a decision. Jesse Pierce, who was a litde wobbly on his rollerblades, but made up for it with his martial arts skills, was named second runner up. Jeff Nelson, when asked how he would tell a friend his fly was unzipped when his grandmother was present, wait- ed a beat, then replied: “The bird is out of the nest ... Send it home.” His stand-up comedy routine was similarly well-timed. He was named first runner up. The tide of Mr. Carson Graham 1999 went to Austin Nairn. As well as a decent deep- voiced Sean Connery impres- sion and respectable juggling skills, he was comfortable and confident on stage, and looked great in a tux. Each of the contestants won prizes from sponsors ICBC, Rogers Video, Fitness World, McDonalds and the North Van Recreation Commission and Nairn also won tickets to this weekend’s Alanis Morissette concert. Mother's Day FREE PLANT OFFER. SPEND $50 AT ANY PARK ROYAL STORE MAY 2 TO 9, AND RECEIVE A FREE GARDEN PLANT IN A 4” TERRA COTTA POT FROM PLANTS GALORE. BRING YOUR RECEIPTS TO THE CONCIERGE TO OBTAIN A COUPON FOR YOUR GIFT. THEN VISIT THE ALL NEW PLANTS GALORE LOCATED IN THE SOUTH MALL TO PICK UP YOUR PLANT. Pot nat as shown. Quantities are limited. One gift per person.