Austin High School senior Jordan VanProosdy proved last night that laughter is the way to a lady's heart.

Following his award for "most humorous," VanProosdy was crowned this year's Mr. Austin by a panel of senior girls and English teacher Steve Fetzig, at the third annual Mr. Austin pageant at Austin High School's Knowlton Auditorium.

The Mr. Austin contest is a fund raiser to buy food for The Salvation Army. The total amount raised was available Wednesday morning.

Sixteen senior boys competed in three categories: work-out wear, talent competition and dinner wear.

Contestants opened the show with a choreographed dance routine involving umbrellas and dance moves spanning a wide variety of genres. They then took the stage individually, each in their preferred style of work-out wear as the audience learned each contestant's hobby and favorite way to eat chicken.

The talent competition proved to be the most entertaining with contestants exhibiting a variety of skills including singing, juggling, tricks on a tricycle and a demonstration on how to make a pizza.

VanProosdy first impressed the judges during the work-out wear competition when he showed his athletic prowess with a combination dance/stickball demonstration.

In the talent competition, he teamed up with senior Mike Gravelle for a chilling campfire tale involving a raccoon and a stolen loaf of bread.

But his sensitivity sealed his place as Mr. Austin. During the dinner wear competition, he described his perfect date, which included flowers, dinner and a trip to the nature center to gaze at the stars.

Matt Merritt can be reached at 434-2214 or by e-mail at :mailto:newsroom@austindailyherald.com