Spirited local
youth acknowledged
with school awards and recognition
By Chris
Mac Kenzie
The Alpine Sun
ALPINE — When Kyle Manis, a senior at Steele Canyon High
School, opened his letter of acceptance from Webb Institute in
Glen Cove, Long Island, it was the third wonderful event for him
in the past few weeks. It means that he can spend his college
years achieving his goal of becoming a professional naval
architect and marine engineer.
Kyle, son of Bob and Susan Manis of Alpine, had already
earned two honors. He was named “Mr. Steele for 2007-08” and was
chosen, “The Most Spirited Cougar” of the year, events sponsored
by the school’s Associated Student Body.
The Mr. Steele contest mimicked in part the format of
Miss America contests with the teachers and staff of the school
first nominating 25 young men. Wearing tuxes they introduced
themselves, describing their goals and telling a clean joke.
Escorted by female students, also in formal wear, they modeled
their outfits in a fashion show. Then changing into casual
clothes of their own, they returned to the stage to explain why
they choose a particular outfit.
At this point in the evening, the judges reduced the
number of candidates to six. These finalists each gave a brief
speech describing their role models and recalling any event in
their lives they wished they could have changed. The judges
tallied points, conferred and discussed, finally announcing
their selection of Mr. Steele 2007-08, and crowning Kyle Manis
as the winner.
Prizes for this honor included two tickets to the
winter formal, two tickets to the prom, and a $100 gift card.
But this was not the only honor heaped on this young
man. The student body had its own chance to select “The Most
Spirited Cougar.”
Kyle, an excellent student, was also heavily involved
in student activities of all kinds, especially sports. Already a
member of the wrestling team and anxious to develop more school
spirit, he decided to create a school flag to be displayed at
all sports events.
He ordered a big banner large enough to be mounted on a
20 foot pole and then set about persuading students and faculty
to help pay for it. He also talked to the football coach to get
permission to circle the field carrying the flag after every
Cougar touchdown. Fortunately the coach was not only intrigued
with the proposal but also offered to persuade the school to
help pay for the new banner.
Yes, it has been a very good year for Kyle Manis, who
will be leaving Alpine for Glen Cove in late August to begin a
new exciting chapter of his life.
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