By Michelle Donaghey Correspondent
BREMEN — Bremen’s new Lion King played two songs on the piano including “Wherever You Go” and “Moonlight Sonata,” danced and later told the crowd in 10 years he would be really rich and open up a senior citizens home that would include “lots of fun things to do, a lot of papers to write, papers to grade, lots of biology experiments and some business related things — and a lot of food,” indirectly talking to teachers who served as judges for the event.
Jon David Hueni, son of  Jon and Joann Hueni, was picked as Bremen’s 2008 Lion King Saturday night.

Hueni’s chosen charity — The Bremen Athletic Depart-ment/BHS Swim Program —  will be receiving $1,800.
The auditorium was packed to the back doors, with spectators even standing and sitting on the floor near the back.
Principal Bruce Jennings said at the beginning of the program that the event was the biggest one Saturday evening in Bremen with more than 400 people in attendance.
“Thanks to the support of many students and staff members, the second annual Lion King Contest is a great success,” he said of the event presented by the Bremen High School Key Club, which helps to benefit local non-profit organizations.
The 14 young men who came forward to volunteer their time and energy kept the crowd mesmerized for an hour and a half of pure entertainment and fun.
Starting off the evening, the courageous “Lions” showed off their athletic skills to the Lion King song, “I Just Can’t Wait to Be King” and dancing, kicking together in chorus-line style and doing push-ups.
A special musical performance was then presented by teachers Andrew Rohde —who also served as emcee along with Bremen Junior Miss 2008 Courtney Bahr — and Kathy Overmyer. Calling themselves “A-OK,” Rohde and Overmyer were joined in another performance before winners were announced by Zumbren, who harmonized beautifully during the songs, “Stand By Me” and “Hakuna Matata.”
Following the music, the finalists were announced which included Sean Robert Kelty, Devan Mikeal Adams, Dustin Griswold, Ben Klinge, Kyle Steven Hudson, A.J. Sizemore, Micah Jon Kipfer, Jacob Michael Hundt and Jon Hueni.
The poise and appearance category was next, with walks on stage for the remaining candidates. While it was worthwhile to watch and to listen to their answers to questions pulled from a hat, individual talent competitions seemed to be the highlight of the evening with performances often bringing the crowd to tearful laughter.
Doing an evolution of dance through the ages, Hudson kept the audience as well as the judges attention at all times. Sizemore mesmerized everyone with his athletic dance number which included break dancing and an array of gymnastics including flips. Adams, however, who was in full mermaid attire including a long blonde wig with a seashell top and sparkling fishtail bottom, brought down the house which seemed to all be smiling ear to ear.
 Griswold, who included a video slide show of his impersonation characters and people including Elmo, Donald Duck and Kermit the Frog, then asked audience members for any suggestions for whom he could do last. At the suggestion of an audience member, he impersonated High School Principal Bruce Jennings.
Kipfer, who sung along with audio of the song, “Hero,” left the stage to take a rose to student and audience member Ali Gordy, walking her on to the stage to dance and dip her backward during his performance.
Judges Amber Reed, business teacher; Beth Huppert, FACS teacher; Ken Olson, social studies teacher; Mischell Browning, science teacher and Connie Newcomb English teacher,  had a hard time deciding the winners for the competition.
The award winners announced included: Spirit of Pride Rock (which is chosen by peers and is 5 percent) went to Devan Adams. The Bremen Youth Football League will receive $225.     
The Academic Winner was Sean Kelty, who chose the Bremen Youth Soccer League which will also receive $225.
The Poise and Appearance Winner was Kyle Hudson whose charity, the Bremen Senior Citizens will receive $450. The Talent Winner, Dustin Griswold’s charity of the Bremen Youth Baseball/Softball league will receive $450.
The Fitness Winner was Ben Klinge, whose charity, the Bremen Holy Walk, will receive $450. First Runner-Up Dustin Griswold’s charity, the Bremen Youth Baseball and Soccer League, will receive $900.                   
Those who missed the Lion King Contest or would like a copy of the DVD can order one at the high school office for $15 each. All proceeds from the sale will be split among the three remaining non-profit charities of choice, the Bremen Hospital, Heart & Hands and the Bremen Food Pantry.
The DVDs will be produced and available in mid-May.