Upper Macungie Teens Win $50,000 in Men's Warehouse Contest

senior Akil Lewis and his friend Rohit Rajendran harnessed Facebook and other social media to help win $50,000 and prizes in a Men's Warehouse promotional contest.

Lewis, of South Whitehall, and Rajendran, of Upper Macungie, showed their creativity, drive and business acumen in generating the most referrals for tuxedos - 526 - in the men's clothing store contest. More than 60,000 prom reps across the country had participated.

"We were pretty confident in ourselves," said Lewis, 16. "We pushed each other to strive through."  Lewis said he and Rajendran, 18, used Facebook, Twitter, Google+ and free Ad websites to get the tuxedo referrals. He said they devoted a lot of time to the initiative, hours and hours a day for several months.

Lewis and Rajendran will split $25,000 and other prizes.

Another $25,000 will go to Parkland High School for its annual prom after-party, according to a prepared release.

The two were on hand July 24 for an oversized check presentation at the Men's Warehouse store in Whitehall.

Lewis said he planned to use his winnings to help his parents and three brothers. He said Rajendran would use his share of the money to help pay for college and to donate to a non-profit group. Lewis vowed to enter the contest again next year.