The King of Hearts: a title coveted by Valparaiso High School senior boys since the dawn of this switch-it-up, girl-asks-the-guy dance. Nominated by their peers by way of anonymous ballot, six young men gain admittance to one of VHS’s most fun, and occasionally embarrassing traditions: KOH dress-up days the week before the dance.
This year’s Court included seniors Tyler Smaga, Zach Meyer, Jordan Galligan, Luke Davis, Russell Stewart, and Peter Fink. Selected by their peers, these six young men were all remarkable good sports, eager to goof off and have a good time with the dress-up days.
Russel Stewart
“Finding out I was on court was a big honor and awesome feeling, but what made it even better was finding out who the other guys on court were,” said Peter Fink. “It was just a really fun group of guys, and I couldn't have asked for better dudes to spend a great, goofy week with!”
“Yes, I loved the dress up days because it always fun to have people stop in the hallway and just stare,” said Smaga.
Tyler Smaga -King of Hearts
The theme of the 2013 dance, Chicago Caper, was a play on the 1920s. The Court dressed up as gangsters, flappers, and 1920s look-alikes (three Einsteins, Jack Dempsey, and F. Scott Fitzgerald), as well as the traditional cupid.
“My favorite dress-up day had to be the last day when we dressed up as Cupid, just because it was the only time I could roller-blade around the school for a day with no consequences,” said Fink. “Trust me, you can really get movin' on that hallway tile.”
Luke Davis
And where do these nominees go to obtain their crazy outfits?
“Most of my dress-up clothes came from the depths and recesses of the closets in my house, but I found a few quality items at a thrift shop in South Bend, too,” said Fink. “You can really find some amazing things if you look hard enough!”
Zach Meyer -Prince
The evening of the dance, after all dance attendees cast their votes, the winner is always announced. This years King of Hearts was Tyler Smaga with Zach Meyer receiving the crowing of Prince.
“It was amazing,” said Smaga. “And I was just so honored to be selected. I almost passed out! But the best part about being on court was that it meant that people like me and trust me which means a lot to me and it makes you feel special!”
Jordan Galligan
Check out photos of the boys on dress-up days here!
Peter Fink