LOS ALAMITOS, CA — Los Alamitos High School celebrated their annual “Mr. Griffin Competition” in the P.A.C. at 7 p.m on January 24.

What is Mr. Griffin?

Mr. Griffin is an annual competition showcasing a select group of senior boys through their dancing abilities, swimsuit choice, talent, and comedic questions. They are judged by a panel of female high schoolers from Edison High School to ensure an unbiased result.

Along with the iconic in-person competition, the film class on campus, Griffin News, leads an entirely student-made music video introducing each of the contestants. This year, the music video embodied the likeness of Katy Perry and her iconic music video “California Gurls,” featuring Snoop Dogg.

Who are the Contestants?

This year, five contestants competed for the world-renowned title of Mr. Griffin; each from differing social groups.

Alex Russell, the post-production coordinator of Griffin News, represented the media arts. Michael Henderson and Cameron Stewart represented ASB, Cody Hearn represented baseball, and Jacob Keefer represented the award-winning choir program.

Mr. Griffin 2023

“It was actually really fun! The crowd was super supportive,” said Michael Warren, an audience member.

The presentation began with a bang, exposing each candidate to the yearly music video shot primarily at school and on the Seal Beach pier. Shortly later, the males came onto the stage with a quick dance sequence to Kesha’s “TiK ToK.”

“I’m proud of these guys for even going up there and trying,” said Mr. Brown, the technical director of the show. With his outstanding movie that resembled a National Geographic documentary, Keefer took home the title of Mr. Griffin, but Alex Russell came in a close second and equally delighted the Edison judges. Instead of performing a usual skill, like singing or dancing, Russell challenged the girls to a competitive game of Mario Kart and showcased his gaming prowess. Jacob Keefer performed Hallelujah while singing and playing his guitar, Cody Hearn displayed his prowess on the dance floor, Cameron Stewart flaunted his dancing talents, and Michael Henderson jammed out on the guitar while singing.

“It was just fun to go through the whole process,” Russell said. The boys went through rigorous rehearsals to properly prepare for the competition in order to look good, feel good, and give perfect responses to the questions presented by the judges.

Mr. Griffin, although meant to embarrass a small group of brave senior boys, illustrates how the student body can come together in order to create something great.