Spotlight: The 2025 Joci Awards
By Jules Aldaz
Photography by Bethany Castro
Spearheaded by Jaselyn Blanchard, Executive Director of the Majestic Empire Foundation, The Joci Awards celebrated excellence in youth performance while advancing arts education across South Texas. The evening was hosted by Broadway star and Tony Award nominee Derek Klena and welcomed distinguished guests including Mayor Ron Nirenberg and First Lady Erika Prosper.
A dazzling night of talent, scholarships, and star-powered celebration at the Majestic Theatre.
The 2025 Joci Awards lit up the Majestic Theatre with $600,000 in scholarships and unforgettable performances, hosted by Tony nominee Derek Klena. Honored guests included Mayor Ron Nirenberg and First Lady Erika Prosper.
This year's new 'Outstanding High School Musical' category featured performances from:
• The SpongeBob Musical – Northeast School of the Arts
• Catch Me If You Can – McAllen High School
• Shrek – Churchill High School
• 9 to 5: The Musical – Harlingen PAC
• Anastasia – Ronald Reagan High School
• Seussical – William Howard Taft High School
A highlight of the night was Cassandra Ortiz’s performance in Super Sea Star Savior, earning roaring applause. The event also introduced the Josephine Theatrical Dancers honor, celebrating movement-based storytelling. Honorees included Mariana Lineman, Jasmine Ogawa, and Sophie Townsend.
Award Winners:
• Best Acting – Adrianna Rodriguez (Harlingen PAC)
• Best Dance – Grace Pittman (NESA)
• Best Vocal – Clara Sankey
• Best Lead Actor – Trip Shira (McAllen HS)
• Best Lead Actress – Danica Feig (Sandra Day O’Connor HS)
Scholarship Highlights:
• Ricardo Martinez – Full Scholarship to AMDA
• Addi Pounds – $60,000 Scholarship from AMDA
• Talina Koukoui, Colin Swanson (William Howard Taft HS), and Addisyn Wade (NESA) – Nexus at Texas State Summer Intensive
Best Overall Performers: Danica Feig and Trip Shira — headed to the Jimmy Awards in NYC!
Student Contributors:
• Reporters: Trinity Erwin (Sandra Day O’Connor HS), Jose Morales (Roosevelt HS)
• Production: Sadie Maldonado (Harlingen PAC), Elliott Pope (NESA)
Support The Joci Awards and future stars at themajesticempirefdn.org
