Mr: Congeniality: Gio Occhipinti

Picture+courtesy+of+Dakota+Brantner.

Picture courtesy of Dakota Brantner.

Barbara Cucci, Staff writer

The HHS Clarion had the opportunity to sit down with this year’s Mr. Congeniality, senior Gio Occhipinti. Those who attended the student council fundraiser on Saturday, March 4 2017, got to see all of the contestants compete through a dance routine, talent portion, and fashion round. Gio impressed the judges with his new-school take on an old-school act, dance moves, and cowboy costume. The Clarion got a chance to ask him some questions about what it took for him to become Mr. Congeniality.

Interviewer: “What was your favorite part of the whole Mr. Hawthorne process?”

Gio: “The week of the show was my favorite part, because that was when everything started to come together and practice became much more enjoyable than stressful.”

 

Interviewer: “How did you come up with your talent portion?”

Gio: “It came to me in a dream.”

 

Interviewer: “What inspired your fashion choice?”

Gio: “I wanted a costume that would be easy to find and still let my personality show, so I figured the classic cowboy was the way to go.”

 

Interviewer: “Was it difficult to come up with the on the spot answers for the question portion?”

Gio: “Kind of. The key is to just be yourself and come up with a simple, funny answer, without thinking too much.”

 

Interviewer: “Did you have any inspiration or advice from past Mr. Hawthorne winners?”

Gio: “Not really, I wanted to do something that no one had done before.”

 

Interviewer: “If not yourself, who do you think should’ve won?”

Gio: “Alex Ferriola was one of the hardest workers in the competition, so I think he deserves some recognition, but George also put on a great performance so I’m happy that he won.”

 

Interviewer: “What made you decide you wanted to participate in Mr. Hawthorne?”

Gio: “I’ve always enjoyed watching Mr. Hawthorne and I felt my personality made me a good fit for it.”

 

Interviewer: “How does it feel to be Mr Congeniality? What’s the best part?”

Gio: “I’m very honored and very proud of myself for the way I performed. The best part is the opportunity to be a part of the show. Win or lose, it’s an experience none of us will forget.”

 

Interviewer: “Any advice for future Mr. Hawthorne contestants?”

Gio: “Don’t be nervous. Be confident and let your personality show, and you’ll have the time of your life…but don’t bother trying to top this year’s show.”

 

Interviewer: “Why did you go with a full band to help you out, and Andre Cosini to dance with?”

Gio: “I wanted something to set me apart from all the other acts. Having my band there made it feel authentic, and I don’t know anybody else who can dance like Andre. I definitely couldn’t have won Mr. Congeniality without the help of Bobby, Konner, Miguel, Tom, Noah, and Andre.”