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

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.

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.

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.