Spotlight Awards Honor Tennessee’s Top High School Musical Theatre Performers

The stage was set, the lights were bright, and the energy was electric at Tennessee Performing Arts Center on Saturday, May 17, as high school students from across the state gathered to celebrate excellence in musical theatre. At the center of the excitement, James Nelson of Wilson Central High School and Kaydence Arora of Summit High School were named Outstanding Lead Performers at the 2025 Nashville High School Musical Theatre Awards, known as the Spotlight Awards.

This prestigious program, hosted annually by TPAC, celebrates the achievements of high school theatre students and programs across Tennessee. With 65 schools participating this year, the event showcased exceptional talent and underscored the power of the performing arts to inspire and connect.

As part of their achievement, James and Kaydence will represent Tennessee at the National High School Musical Theatre Awards®, known as the Jimmy Awards®, held on June 23 at Broadway’s Minskoff Theatre. There, they’ll join top student performers from across the country for an intensive 12-day experience, including coaching, rehearsals, and workshops with Broadway professionals, all culminating in a once-in-a-lifetime performance on a Broadway stage.

Their selection represents more than individual achievement; it highlights the strength and spirit of Tennessee’s thriving high school theatre community. The Spotlight Awards are designed to not only recognize excellence, but also foster confidence, creativity, and collaboration among students who share a passion for storytelling through the performing arts.

The Spotlight Awards continue to be a launching pad for young performers across the state, offering mentorship, visibility, and encouragement as students pursue their dreams in the arts. As the curtain closes on this year’s program, a new class of students will soon begin their journey toward the 2026 Spotlight Awards, bringing fresh voices, stories, and energy to Tennessee’s theatrical stages.

Founded in 2009 by Nederlander Alliances LLC, Pittsburgh CLO, and Broadway Education Alliance, the mission of the Jimmy Awards®/National High School Musical Theatre Awards® is to raise the profile of musical theatre in schools, recognize dedicated teachers, and inspire the next generation of performers and enthusiasts. The program has been the catalyst for more than $4,000,000 in educational scholarships to date, and many past student participants have appeared in leading or supporting roles in Broadway, Touring and West End productions. 

The Jimmy Awards are presented by the Broadway League Foundation in honor of legendary Broadway producer/theatre owner James M. Nederlander and are supported by many leading theatre industry organizations. To get more information about the Jimmy Awards/National High School Musical Theatre Awards program, visit JimmyAwards.com.