On a night filled with anticipation, emotion, and unmatched talent, more than 400 high school students from across South Texas stepped onto the stage of San Antonio’s Majestic Theatre. What unfolded during the 2025 Joci Awards™ was more than just a performance. It was a celebration of young artists discovering the full power of their voice, their movement, and their dreams.

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. Known as the “Tony Awards of Texas,” the program has become the largest performing arts scholarship initiative of its kind in the country, offering both opportunity and inspiration to students in over 35 counties, from San Antonio to Brownsville.

The event was hosted by Tony Award nominee and Broadway star Derek Klena, whose presence added a touch of true Broadway magic to the evening. Klena is best known for his critically acclaimed roles in Jagged Little Pill, for which he received a Tony nomination for Best Featured Actor in a Musical, and Moulin Rouge, where his portrayal of Christian earned him a Broadway.com Audience Choice Award. He has also originated major roles in Dogfight, The Bridges of Madison County, and Anastasia, and starred as Fiyero in the tenth anniversary Broadway company of Wicked. His television credits range from Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt to Pretty Little Liars: Original Sin and City on a Hill.

As emcee, Klena guided the audience through an inspiring and high energy celebration of emerging talent. In one of the most memorable moments of the night, he performed the opening number alongside the student finalists, giving them a rare and thrilling opportunity to share the stage with someone who shines so brightly on Broadway. His performance was both magnetic and heartfelt, a powerful gesture of mentorship and solidarity with the next generation of artists.

The 2025 Joci Awards welcomed distinguished guests including San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg and First Lady Erika Prosper, who delivered remarks praising the Foundation’s mission and the critical importance of arts education in the region. Together with a full house at the historic Majestic Theatre, they witnessed what has become a crown jewel of South Texas arts programming.

Presented by the Majestic Empire Foundation, the Joci Awards awarded more than $600,000 in scholarships in a single night, bringing its total to over $2.1 million since the program’s inception 18 years ago. From musical theatre and acting to voice and dance, 53 finalists were selected from more than 400 auditions. Representing 83 schools, these students captivated the audience with performances that rivaled professional level productions in both skill and emotional impact.

The Joci Awards also served as the official regional qualifier for the Jimmy Awards®, the national high school musical theatre showcase held each summer in New York. Two South Texas students earned the chance to perform on a Broadway stage this June, and one student journalist was named a Top 10 National Finalist, reflecting the program’s growing investment in not only performers but also future arts leaders and storytellers.

This year also marked the first ever recognition of Outstanding High School Musicals in South Texas, with six schools competing for a $10,000 grant to strengthen their theatre programs. It was a powerful reminder that behind every young performer is a community of educators, directors, and peers working to keep the arts alive and thriving in public schools.

The impact of the 2025 Joci Awards extended far beyond the Majestic stage. Tens of thousands followed along through digital media, broadcast, and press coverage, affirming the program’s regional significance and cultural reach.

What made the night unforgettable was not just the scale of the production or the prestige of its guests. It was the reminder that when students are empowered with training, encouragement, and a spotlight, they rise. In a world where arts education often faces uncertain funding, the Joci Awards stands as a living testament to what becomes possible when we invest in creativity, discipline, and hope.

To learn more about the Joci Awards and the mission of the Majestic Empire Foundation, visit majesticempirefdn.org or follow @majesticempirefdn on social media.