And now, what you have been waiting for – two more exclusive interviews with the wonderful contestants of Mr. Harriton. This week, we have junior Ben Appel, and senior Justin Littman. They both exude goofy and easy charm. Stay tuned, Emily and Annika.

Ben Appel, Junior

What is a day in your life like?

A day in the life of Ben Appel? Where to start?  After I wake up, I go into school…still half asleep.  The school day is a blur as I am constantly drifting in and out of day dreaming.  After the school day I go to one of my various music activities including Pitch Please, Vocal Jazz, Jazz Band, Quartet, HTC and of course…Mr. Harriton.  After Mr. Harriton I come home and “do my homework,” practice piano and eat junk food while watching Netflix the rest of the night.

Why did you try out for Mr Harriton?

I tried out for Mr. Harriton because as a freshmen and sophmore I was involved with Mr. Harriton, and after watching the crowning of Brenden Scanlon and Jake Marks (previous Mr. Harriton winners) I knew it was my destiny to be the next Mr. Harriton.  So when audition came around this year, I knew it was my time to step up.

Do you have a talent that cannot be performed?

I believe myself to be a man who possesses many extraordinary talents, a true renaissance man.  I have numerous talents that many students do not know about, but just as a magician never reveals his secrets, just as a super hero never reveals his true identity, I cannot reveal my other talents at this time.

What is your favorite thing about Mr. Harriton so far?

My favorite part of Mr. Harriton is all the friends I’ve made in the process.  I am happy to say that although it is a competition, it is a very positive and friendly environment.  However, now as we get closer and closer to the event, the heat has really kicked in.

Who is a competitor to watch out for (other than you)?

A competitor – all my opponents are all talented and there are a lot of music acts this year. I am not sure who my biggest competition is, but what I am sure of is that this will be a tough competition and a battle well fought.  I wish the best of luck to all the contestants…well, not ALL of them.

If you could choose the theme what would it be?

If I chose the theme of Mr. Harriton I think it would have to be food.  Plain and simple, I love food.  Who doesn’t love food?  Any chance I can get to surround myself with food…I’ll take it!

Why are you the next Mr. Harriton? 

Well, there are a lot of musical acts this year, and they are all very talented and impressive.  But what separates me is that MY musical act is no shtick.  No tricks up my sleeve, I don’t plan to come out and have an impressive gimmick to make the audience say, “Wow!  LOOK what he’s doing!” I plan to come out, have a piano, and a microphone and make the audience say “Wow!  LISTEN to what he’s doing!” Additionally, as a freshmen and sophomore, I submerged myself deep into Harriton High School and took in everything I could.  Now as a junior, I am ready to step up to the plate and lead this great school of ours as…Mr. Harriton.

Personal Statement?

Mr. Harriton has been an amazing process, I am so thankful to have been a part of it.  I wish all of the contestants the best of luck.  But, people of Harriton, staff, students…parents, guardians, and family of staff and students, close your eyes and picture the person you want to represent your school as Mr. Harriton.  I think we all know who you just pictured.

Justin Littman, Senior 

What is a day in your life like?

Um, well… Each day I wake up and go to school, where I go to my classes and meet some new friends. Then I go to Mr. Harriton practice for a few hours and I dance my tail off for a few hours, before going home and relaxing in a warm bubble bath. Then I play with my puppy and go to bed.

Oo what kind of puppy?

Shih Tzu (shows picture of really cute puppy in the snow).

Aww so cute! Why did you try out for Mr. Harriton?

I did it because I wanted to be able to present myself in front of the whole school and it seemed like a fun way to enjoy my senior year.

 Do you have a talent that cannot be performed?

Well, I can snap off of anything, which is cool.

Snap off?

Like snapping with my fingers and stuff except I can snap off anything not just my fingers. It’s crazy you gotta see it. (Disclosure: it is crazy, you do have to see it!)

What is your favorite thing about Mr. Harriton so far?

I have a lot of fun with the other contestants so I just really enjoy being around them.

If you could choose the theme what would it be? 

I don’t know, I really like this theme.

So, it would be time travel?

Yeah.

Alright. Why are you the next Mr. Harriton?

I think my passion for the show, my contagious smile, and captivating dancing make me a viable candidate, and everyones got a shot at winning.

Personal Statement? 

This is gonna be fun.