Just back from New York City are two very happy teenagers — Guyer High School’s John Fredrickson and Waxahachie High School’s Kaiden Maines. They represented the 5th Annual Dallas Summer Musical High School Musical Theatre Awards (DSM HSMTA) at the National High School Musical Theatre Awards (aka the Jimmy™ Awards named after 94-year-old James M. Nederlander) on Monday, June 27.
This year’s national program included 62 students representing 31 regional programs. During the ten days leading up to the awards presentation, “The students auditioned before a panel of judges earlier in the week, singing two prepared songs and participating in a dance call. Based on the audition results, the students were split into two groups: The Medley Group and The Production Group, leading up to when all students performed together throughout the week and received the same amount of coaching. All nominees were eligible for the scholarships and awards.”
And with 5th Annual DSM HSMTA Chair John Clutts, inaugural Leah and Jerome Fullinwider Award recipient Tina Walsh, DSM HSMTA Manager Tracy Jordan, DSM Board VP Community Relations Nancy Natinsky and DSM VP Education Downie Mathis in the wings supporting them, John and Kaiden impressed the judging panel.
John F. was a finalist and received a $2,500 scholarship from the Barry and Fran Weissler Foundation, while Kaiden received a $2,500 Special Recognition Scholarship presented by Tams-Witmark Music Library Inc.
It was a first for the local program with a representative placing as a “Best Actor” finalist and both students receiving scholarships.
According to John, “The experience at the Jimmy Awards was unbelievable. It was such an honor and a privilege to represent the DSM High School Musical Theatre Awards and finish as one of the top four finalists in the nation. The whole experience was surreal as well as life changing. I cannot be more thankful to DSM for their sponsorship and all of those who supported me through this entire process. The past ten days have been the best time of my life and I will miss it all because it was truly wonderful. Hooha!”
Kaiden’s review was in sync with John’s, saying, “I had such an amazing time at the Jimmy Awards. I met so many talented people and was honored to be one of the six selected for a special recognition scholarship. I had so much fun making my Broadway debut on the Minskoff stage, and I can’t thank DSM enough for making this wonderful journey happen for me. I will miss it, but I’m looking forward to whatever is next!”
April Bosworth says
We are so proud of our DSM HSMTA Representatives….John and Kaiden!
Amazingly talented young performers…..Congrats!
Rita Powers-White says
What a once in a lifetime experience for these young people! I expect to see them both soaring upwards in the future! Congratulations to John and Kaiden and their DSM mentors and coaches!
Rita Powers- White