Winners of the Mr. ComingHome competition declared

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By Evelyn McDonald Mr. ComingHome is a fundraiser set up by the Manning High School Student Council to help students make trips to events such as the South Carolina Association of Student Councils (SCASC) State Convention and the SCASC Summer Leadership Camp. Student Council Advisor Elizabeth McDonald revived the Mr. ComingHome event last year. To enter the contest, a student must have a passing grade in all classes and to have notes from their teachers. During the competition, the students do not campaign. Instead, they accept donations from friends and family, as well as from other students. The student with the most donations is declared the winner and walks away with $100, the Mr. ComingHome Scepter, free entry to any Student Council event and a Feast for Kings. The two runners-up are given the title of ComingHome Prince. They win free entry to any Student Council event and a Feast for Princes. Each of the three winners broadcast through social media and received donations from friends and family. This year’s Mr. ComingHome is Antonio Pearson. He heard about the event from friends and members of the Student Council, and he chose to run to gain experience. Pearson has spent the $100 prize on senior essentials such as food and gas. Pearson hopes to become a pilot, although he remains undecided on a college at this time. ComingHome Prince Aaron Smith learned about the competition last year from McDonald, and he ran and placed, repeating his placement again this year. Though he is a junior, Smith already has his eye on Clemson after graduation. He wants to pursue a degree in an engineering discipline, although he also hopes to find a career in sports management. ComingHome Prince Chris Livingston also found out about the competition from McDonald. He chose to run to help the Student Council. “I just don’t know why I wouldn’t run,” said Livingston. He hopes to attend Charleston Southern and work toward a degree in physical education. Smith stated the feast of the Kings and Princes is a little informal. “Last year they gave us pizza, and we were allowed to give it to friends or family,” said Smith. None of the winners were part of the Student Council, although Smith is considering running next year. As a result, none of them have yet decided which Student Council event they wish to attend.