For the first time in the event's 23-year history, Portage Life in the Spotlight Tep Junyanid was tied for the title of Outstanding Young Man before being named first finalist of the competition.
"I am so happy to go down in history as the first tie for OYM, and to have it with one of my best friends, Matt Bliss, will be a moment that I'm sure both of us will cherish for the rest of our lives," Junyanid said.
Junyanid impressed the judges with his winning performance last Saturday at the unique competition for Portage's senior boys. He was assessed in many different categories to determine his talents in multiple aspects of the contest.
"Most people that I've spoken to claim that I dominated the physical segment with my flamboyant performance, but I was most proud of my casual segment response," Junyanid said. "I was quite nervous leading up to that moment so it was a relief when I got through it without stuttering or stalling."
Although it is technically a scholarship competition, most participants value the experience much more than the prizes. It reinforces values such as compassion and respect that are worth more than any amount of money.
"OYM has shown me that it is most important to truly be yourself and feel free to express yourself," Junyanid said.
The many after-school and weekend practices meant that participants spent long hours with each other, and Junyanid said he strengthened relationships with his classmates during these times.
"My biggest motivator for joining OYM would simply be the opportunity to be around people that I wouldn't normally have the chance to hang out with," Junyanid said. "Going through all of the long practices with the guys really gave us a chance to bond a little bit."
While still working hard to give their best performance, Junyanid and his fellow participants still found time for fun.
"My favorite part of the experience was kicking back with the guys and being goofballs backstage," Junyanid said.
Besides the title of first finalist, Junyanid also the Good Guy award. This award, given to only two Outstanding Young Man members, is voted upon by all the contestants and goes to the participant they feel had the best attitude and encompassed all the quality of an Outstanding Young Man.
"Being first finalist is a great honor, but I am most proud for winning a good guy award," Junyanid said. "To be voted for by my fellow men makes me feel so appreciative of them and it tells me that I am treating people the right way."
It does not hurt his case that Junyanid is very involved in the school.
He is Student Council Student Body Vice President, 3-year Captain of the Varsity golf team, Captains Council member, 1st-place winner in Business Professionals of America, and member of the Quiz Bowl. In the fall of his junior year, he participated in the high school's production of "The 39 Steps." He also works at the Portage Panda Express part-time.
"It is important for me to be involved because it gives me a chance to be surrounded by a different selection of people," Junyanid said. "This helps me learn how to interact, deal, and socialize with an array of personalities."
Because he participates in so many activities, Junyanid has had to learn valuable time-management and compromise skills as well.
"Being in all of these activities, it's impossible to be there for every single commitment, so I have to work with the schedules to be there as much as I can for each of the activities," Junyanid said.
Junyanid, although appreciative of all his involvements, says he enjoys golf and Quiz Bowl the most.
"I've played golf for four years and love the values the game teaches you," Junyanid explained. "As for Quiz Bowl, I love the people who are there. We always have a blast at practice."
After graduating in June, Junyanid will attend Indiana University Bloomington too study business management and marketing, with hopes of eventually starting his own successful business.