Introducing the chairpeople overseeing Mr. East

Melanie Pedersen, Eastside Photo Editor

March 25, 2026

The chairpeople for Mr. East pose in front of the auditorium doors. From left to right: Shia Snyder (’26), Alexis Nowakowski (’26), Claudia Fulginiti (’26) and Akira Gordon (’26).

Every year, Cherry Hill High School East puts on Mr. East, a charity performance that is organized and overseen by four chairpeople. This year, the chairpeople are Claudia Fulginiti (‘26), Akira Gordon (‘26), Alexis Nowakowski (‘26) and Shia Snyder (‘26). Mr. East is an eight-person competition in which each contestant showcases their talents to the school, aiming to be crowned Mr. East. Following renovations at East’s auditorium, Mr. East will be held on April 16 in Cherry Hill High School West’s Old Auditorium.

Each chairperson is assigned two contestants, managing their acts and ensuring that they follow the theme: Hollywood. This year’s theme was chosen by the chairpeople to be able to incorporate different movie franchises while still under a specific theme. In addition, they write their own scripts that they read off during the show to add an element of humor and give time to the contestants to change into their costumes.

Meet the Mr. East chairpeople

Claudia Fulginiti (’26) poses in front of the auditorium doors. (Melanie Pedersen)

Claudia Fulginiti ('26)

Mr. East is an event that brings the school together before the seniors graduate, which is why Claudia Fulginiti (‘26) wanted to be a chairperson. She said that Mr. East is one of the most fun events of the year and will be the one that the graduating seniors will remember most fondly.

There have been concerns regarding the attendance of the event since the auditorium at Cherry Hill High School East is being renovated and the event will be held at West. Fulginiti urges everyone to still come to watch the performance.

Fulginiti said that the chairpeople are working to try something new with the judges this year since Mr. East will be hosted at West. They are trying to incorporate teachers from West who went to East. This would encourage West’s students to attend and boost sales, and in turn, profit for Mr. East’s charity, Holton’s Heroes, which supports children with post-birth brain injuries by providing therapy equipment and tools.

Akira Gordon (’26) poses in front of the auditorium doors. (Melanie Pedersen)

Akira Gordon ('26)

As a thespian, Akira Gordon (‘26) does not fear the stage; rather, she is drawn to it. Gordon applied to be a Mr. East chairperson because she wanted a way to spread school spirit.

Last year, Gordon’s close friend was a chairperson who told her that it was an incredibly stressful endeavor. But that didn’t scare Gordon away. She saw the performance every year and was determined to be a part of it.

Gordon believes that the theme will make this year’s Mr. East special. She said that all of the acts are very unique this year and will tie together well with the chairpeople’s script, coming together to follow the theme.

She said that all of the chairpeople are close, and working together has been an efficient experience. They collaborate well and are comfortable disagreeing with each other, ensuring that the final show is exceptional.

Alexis Nowakowski (’26) poses in front of the auditorium doors. (Melanie Pedersen)

Alexis Nowakowski ('26)

Alexis Nowakowski (‘26) has experience in theater and in the thespian society, giving her practice in stage performances. Her experience with the stage and her admiration for Mr. East fueled her desire to be a chairperson.

Nowakowski is most excited to perform the chairpeople’s script. She said that to maintain the theme of Hollywood, each of the four chairpeople will represent a different movie award. These are the Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony Awards, more commonly known as the EGOT.

She said that Mr. East will follow the theme of a red carpet, tying the chairpeople’s script to the contestants' performances.

Shia Snyder (’26) poses in front of the auditorium doors. (Melanie Pedersen)

Shia Snyder (‘26)

Similar to many of the other chairpeople, Shia Snyder (‘26) saw Mr. East for the last three years. Now, she gets to be an integral part of it. Snyder applied for the position because she had such a memorable experience with her first time watching the performance.

“I remember my freshman year going into Mr. East, not expecting anything, and I left with it being probably one of the most memorable experiences I’ve ever had at East,” said Snyder.

From that moment, Snyder knew that she wanted to be a chairperson when given the opportunity.

She is looking forward to helping the contestants choose their tuxedos for the final act of Mr. East, where the contestants walk down the stage and give a relative a flower. Snyder hopes to raise as much money as possible for this year’s charity, Holton’s Heroes.

Countdown to Mr. East

Mr. East 2026 has passed!

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About the Contributor

Melanie Pedersen, Eastside Photo Editor

Melanie is a junior and Photo Editor who, to no surprise, loves taking photos! You’ll find her at sports games or music events, reporting photos back to Eastside and the Yearbook. Besides that, she is the president of Interact Club and is involved in DECA, SGA, Peer Leaders, and she plays both soccer and golf for East.