ANNOUNCING: 2021 JOCI AWARDS FINALISTS
Show to go virtual once more on Sunday, May 16; $100,000 in scholarships to be awarded
The Majestic Empire Foundation is pleased to announce the 25 finalists that have been selected to step into the virtual spotlight at the 2021 Joci Awards. In partnership with Blanchard Creative Group and Walley Films, the virtual show will premiere on Sunday, May 16 and is the culmination of the Foundation’s annual scholarship program, which went fully virtual in 2021. The Foundation will once again award $100,000 in scholarship funds, maintaining its designation as one of the largest funding sources of its kind in the country. Additional show details, including how to tune in, will be announced in the coming weeks.
Having been chosen from a field of more than 100 applicants from 26 high schools throughout South Texas through a virtual audition process, 25 student performers will each be awarded scholarships to the college or university of their choice. 2021 preliminary audition judges included: Karishma Ahluwalia, Trevor Berger, Dawn Davis Loring, Rosa Gardner, Emma Hearn, Thomasina Gross, Kathleen Langford, Keith McDonald, Jerry Ruiz, Christine Sienicki, James Scully, Jennifer Ashley Tepper and Marisa Varela.
In addition to scholarship funds, each finalist will have the opportunity to participate in online coaching sessions with theatre professionals who have worked on Broadway, off-Broadway and the West End.
The Joci Awards highlights students in five different categories including Acting, Best Lead Actor in a Musical, Best Lead Actress in a Musical, Dance and Vocal. The finalists for this year’s Joci Awards are:
Acting
Kevin Engel – Brandeis High School; San Antonio, TX
Jataya Mayo – Steele High School; Cibolo, TX
Kristina Silva – Reagan High School; San Antonio, TX
Esmeralda Trevino – Harlingen High School South; Harlingen, TX
Kellyn Tuttle – North East School of the Arts; San Antonio, TX
Best Lead Actor in a Musical
Nicholas Barrón – North East School of the Arts; San Antonio, TX
Grant Pace – ZACH Performing Arts Academy; Austin, TX
Austin Riley – North East School of the Arts; San Antonio, TX
Kohl Robinson – North East School of the Arts; San Antonio, TX
Aidan Villarreal – Taft High School; San Antonio, TX
Best Lead Actress in a Musical
Aaron Blount – Harlingen High School South; Harlingen, TX
Clarissa Cortez – Antonian College Preparatory High School; San Antonio, TX
Ruby Duka – Steele High School; Cibolo, TX
Naliah Hernandez – North East School of the Arts; San Antonio, TX
Jaeden Riley Juarez – North East School of the Arts; San Antonio, TX
Breanna Klotzbach – Madison High School; San Antonio, TX
Sophia Maria Laia – North East School of the Arts; San Antonio, TX
Dance
Noelani De La Garza – North East School of the Arts; San Antonio, TX
Reid Kostroun – Madison High School; San Antonio, TX
Toby Lawrence – North East School of the Arts; San Antonio, TX
Vocal
Sophie DeYoung – San Antonio Christian High School; San Antonio, TX
Hannah Jenkins – North East School of the Arts; San Antonio, TX
Michelle Ko – North East School of the Arts; San Antonio, TX
Azaria McCants – North East School of the Arts; San Antonio, TX
Jordan Rockhill – North East School of the Arts; San Antonio, TX
About The Majestic Empire Foundation —The Majestic Empire Foundation is dedicated to the development of the performing arts through education and scholarships, as well as the restoration and preservation of historic theatres. The Majestic Empire Foundation offers a variety of educational initiatives to nurture and grow the performing arts, including an annual scholarship program, as well as additional educational and training opportunities. For more information, visit www.lascasasfoundation.org
