Every year, Grayslake Central hosts the Mr. GCHS competition, run by PSP students, that brings the student body together for a night of performances, laughter, and school pride. The event highlights confidence and personality, while giving contestants a chance to represent their school on stage.

Senior Jack Velez, winner of Mr. GCHS 2026, decided to join the competition this year for a personal reason. “I wanted to do the competition because it’s my last year with my friends,” said Velez. For him it was not about performing, but about making lasting memories with his friends before graduation. Preparing for the event took more than just showing up. “You have to do rehearsals,” said Velez, showing the time and effort that goes into making the show run smoothly. From practicing routines to organizing performances, contestants had to stay committed throughout the process. “We danced a group dance, and then there was a skit. It was a senior skit and it was like a therapy thing for people who lost [the Mr. GCHS competition] last year.”

“Mr. GCHS is all about the school spirit,” Velez said. That focus pushed him to bring the school pride during his own performance. He was not the only one with spirit this year though – the competition itself was not easy. “My biggest competition had to be Eli Gillette,” said Velez. With the challenge, it motivated him to perform at his best, which resulted in Velez being crowned Mr. GCHS 2026.