VINELAND — Nate Offer was crowned Mr. Vineland during the 15th annual pageant Friday night before an enthusiastic, sellout crowd in the auditorium of Vineland High School South.

Offer, Mr. October, is a 5-foot 8-inch, 165- pound senior in the School of Visual & Per­forming Arts. The scene was described as a very emotional moment for the young man, who wept openly when the judges’ decision was announced.

The new Mr. Vineland plans to attend college and run track. His hobbies include sports, dancing, singing, and attending church. Upon learning of his latest accomplishment, a spokesperson from Christlike Ministries of Deliverance expressed “heartfelt congratulations to Mr. Nate Offer in successfully obtaining the title, Mr. Vineland,” continuing:

We are very proud of you. God has used you mightily to touch others through your ministry of dance. This is just the beginning. Continue to remain focused and strong in the Lord and watch the doors and windows of blessings burst open for you. We love you immensely!

Funds raised at the event help defray the cost of the senior prom, according to host Charles Gaudio, a teacher at VHS North. Each of the 12 contestants in the annual event was scored equally in the following areas: casual attire, talent, and formal attire.

After the fashion show and talent portion of the event, the initial group was whittled down to five finalists, who were then asked a final question posed by Gaudio.

Offer wowed the crowd—and the judges —with his spirited dance performance to a medley of Michael Jackson songs. He also cited the late pop singer when asked the question, What celebrity has influenced your generation the most and how have they done that? His reply:

I believe that Michael Jackson has influenced our generation the most. Even though he was in an entirely different decade, his music lives through everybody.  If it wasn’t for him, there would be no Chris Brown, there would be no Usher, and there would be no me. Michael Jackson’s music lives in everybody, and I believe he was an excellent example for everyone.

Offer, the son of Maryion Jones, received his crown from Peter Doulis, who has held the title of Mr. Vineland for the past year. Doulis now attends Drexel University, majoring in economics. The winner received a crown, trophy and the right to wear the Mr. Vineland sash.

The other finalists included first runner-up Anthony Deon, Mr. April, who will serve as Mr. Vineland if Offer is unable to fulfill the duties of the position. Second runner-up was Shawn Robinson, Mr. August; third runner-up was Eddie Curtis, Mr. February, and fourth runner-up was Piotr Grudzien, Mr. December. Other seniors participating in the contest:

Sean Alfe, Mr. May; Paul Bossi, Mr. July; John Howard, Mr. January; Jose Jimenez, Mr. Sept­ember; Justin Petronglo, Mr. November; Jeffrey Pilla, Mr. June; and Robert Tonetta, Mr. March.

Head judge was Mark Melamed, assisted by district educators Susan Bishop Cicchini and Teri Godliewski. The other judges were Detectives Kathy Stant and Phillip Marti­nez; and Lieutenant Lene Bowers of the Vineland Police Department.  Scores were tabulated by Dan Smith and Scott Musterel of the VPS finance department.

 The event was videotaped by VPS Broadcasting and will air on Comcast Chan­nel 9 and Verizon FIOS channel 41 7 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 27. DVD copies are available for $19.95; call 794-6700 ext. 2103.