UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. -- The College of Earth and Mineral Sciences’ (EMS) undergraduate student council recently held a Mr. EMS pageant to raise funds for Relay for Life, supporting the American Cancer Society, and EMS THON, supporting the fight against pediatric cancer.

Jeff Schmidt, a junior majoring in meteorology, battled through talent performances and fundraising efforts to best seven other contestants and win the title of Mr. EMS at the inaugural competition. Zach Kramer, a senior majoring in energy engineering, was runner-up and Brandon Freeman, a junior majoring in petroleum and natural gas engineering, was second runner-up.

Other contestants included Rob Englund, a senior majoring in meteorology; Zane Geist, a sophomore majoring in environmental systems engineering; Andrew Naimon, a freshman majoring in meteorology; Timothy Roell, a freshman majoring in energy, business and finance; and Vivek Thomas, a sophomore majoring in petroleum and natural gas engineering.

“It is very encouraging to see our talented students coming up with innovative ways to raise money to support the fight against cancer,” said Nels Shirer, associate dean of undergraduate education.

Last year, for the fourth consecutive year, EMS THON raised the largest amount among general organizations, a record-breaking $110,114.67. THON raises funds for the Four Diamonds Fund, which works to find a cure for pediatric cancer and help relieve financial burdens for families battling the disease.