Published February 12. 2026 09:42PM
The Parkland High School auditorium was the venue for the annual Mr. Parkland contest on Feb. 7.
While the temperature outside hovered near 0 degrees, the sold out auditorium was filled with cheering families and friends, contestants performing in swim suits and tuxedos.
Twenty-five Parkland seniors vied for the title of “Mr. Parkland 2026.”
Following the contestants dancing and displaying their talents, Brandon Gonzalez was crowned “Mr. Parkland 2026.”
Here he is, Brandon Gonzalez, Mr. Parkland 2026, after being crowned during the Mr. Parkland 2026 contest held in the auditorium at Parkland High School, Feb. 7.Story and additional photos appear on Page A11.PRESS PHOTO BYLOU WHEELAND
Brandon Gonzalez, Mr. Parkland, 2026 holds the winner’s belt as he is surrounded by fellow contestants, class advisors and senior class officers at the “Mr. Parkland 2026” contest.
Choreographer/Director for “Mr. Parkland 2026” Amanda Slotter (left) was thanked by the senior class officers during the “Mr. Parkland 2026” contest held in the auditorium at high school, Feb. 7.
Judges for “Mr. Parkland 2026” included Garet Hill, “Mr. Parkland 2025,” Cassie Schmidt, Kutztown College soccer star; Kendal Conrad, singer/actress/published writer; Ben Youngerman, 2005 Parkland High School graduate, Bow Tie Ben of Lehigh Valley Phantoms; Krista Metter, Touchstone Theatre teaching artist.
“Mr. Parkland 2026” contestants open with a group dance for the “Mr. Parkland 2026” contest held in the auditorium at the high school.
Dante Gavirati plays soprano saxophone for his talent during the “Mr. Parkland 2026” contest.
Brandon Gonzalez was intense as he “rapped” for his talent during the “Mr. Parkland 2026” contest.
Andrew Rivera’s talent was dancing to a song by Michael Jackson for his talent at the “Mr. Parkland 2026” contest.
Joseph Legutko and escort Ainsley Quay do a dip during the escort dance at the “Mr. Parkland 2026” contest.
Harry Schairer and escort Madelyn Wascura take a spin during their dance at the “Mr. Parkland 2026” contest.
Accompanied by GrandMom Dolly Magness, “Mr. Parkland 2026” contestant James Whitehead enters the stage at the “Mr. Parkland 2026” contest held in the auditorium at Parkland High School, Feb. 7.
