The buzz is real, Hornet fans: “Mr. BHS” is back, after a year’s hiatus.

The public’s invited to join the Branford High School (BHS) community Friday, May 20, 7 p.m. in the BHS auditorium, to cheer on seven BHS seniors competing for the coveted title. As in years past, they’ll wow the crowd with a creative twist on classic pageant grand entrances, formal wear and talent. Tickets, available at the door, are $5 for students, $7 for adults.  BHS is located at 185 East Main St.

“Mr. BHS” is produced by BHS InterAct, a Branford Rotary-affiliated high school club. This year’s InterAct membership includes ten students, once again advised by BHS English Teacher Gina Lucibello.

Event proceeds will go to Special Olympics and the BHS team of American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life of the Shoreline (Sat. May 21 at Walsh Intermediate School). The club selected an Olympic theme for “Mr. BHS” said BHS Rotary InterAct officer Jack Nelson.

“Our motto is ‘Going for the Gold’ and a lot of kids are going to with that theme by doing things like obstacle courses and sporting events,” said Nelson. “Others are doing whatever they choose; singing, dancing...it’s going to be a whole mix of great variety and a great time.”

For those who haven’t been to a Mr. BHS event, be prepared for things to start with a set of unusual entrances. Before taking a break last year, nine previous Mr. BHS competitions went down in history with memorable entrances (a couple of years back, one contestant arrived as bird being born; another selected a Scooby-Doo theme for his debut). Another crowd pleaser: interpretations of formal wear modeled by contestants paired with escorts (in addition to classic tux-and-gown couples, past partners have included teachers and even pets). The first half of the also features each contestant’s anything-goes talent performance.

BHS InterAct is affiliated with Branford Rotary and works throughout the school year to assist with service projects. This year, Rotary member (and Blackstone Library Director) Karen Jensen has been driving force in helping InterAct. The club also thanks many local merchants and organizations giving “Mr. BHS” a boost by contributing gift cards and other items to be raffled off on May 20 as part of the fundraising event, said InterAct officer Therese Ziaks. BHS InterAct members will run also a concession stand during “Mr. BHS” to boost proceeds from ticket sales.

A judging panel of 10 BHS teachers will have the tough job of selecting three “Mr. BHS” finalists, who will return in the show’s second half to vie for the title during a final question and answer session. BHS InterAct thanks teachers Maura Sullivan for crafting a new scoring matrix and John McColl for photographing contestants. The pics have been added to some off-the-wall poster art with fun slogans created by BHS Graphic Design Club. The posters are decorating the walls of BHS this week to help build excitement for the return of “Mr. BHS,” said Nelson.

“We didn’t have it last year and we’re bringing it back this year to kind of boost school spirit and see what our school’s made of, and to find out who will be the next Mr. BHS,” said Nelson. “The contestants are some of the heart and spirit of our school; so to have them go on stage and kind of share their spirit with everyone else is a great way to represent how we want our school to be.”