Milton High Performer Wins Broadway’s Top Honor for High School Actors
Photo courtesy Ben Rose Photography
At the Minskoff Theatre in New York City, Jake James of Milton High School poured his talent onto the Broadway stage, immersed an audience in his rendition of “It’s Hard to Speak My Heart” from Parade, and won the top national musical theatre award for a high school student. He took home a Jimmy for Best Performance by an Actor.
The 17th annual Jimmy Awards were held on June 22 and hosted by Saturday Night Live’s Bowen Yang. Known as the Tony Awards for teenagers, the Jimmy Awards celebrate outstanding student achievement in acting, singing, and dancing. More than one hundred triple-threat actors from 58 programs across the country were nominated.
Jake was nominated for a Jimmy after winning a Shuler Hensley award for his performance as Jacob in Water for Elephants at the Georgia Musical Theatre Awards. Jake is among an elite group of three Georgia Jimmy recipients since the national award ceremony was established for high school students in 2009. All three state winners have been from Fulton County high schools. One student was from Milton and two were from Tri-Cities.
Fulton County Schools Coordinator of Performing Arts Matt Koperniak shared, “Jake James winning the Jimmy Award is a powerful reminder that the talent nurtured within Fulton County Schools can shine on the national stage. His achievement reflects the dedication of our theatre directors, who inspire creativity, confidence, and opportunity for students. Continued support for the arts ensures more young performers have the chance to discover their voice and reach their full potential.”
“Jake’s Jimmy Award is a well-deserved recognition of everything he represents as a student and a performer," Milton Theatre Director Lynda Ankiel said. "What makes Jake truly special is that he does not just tell a story, he makes you believe it. In addition to his incredible talent, he has a tremendous work ethic. Day in and day out, Jake puts in the effort that most people never see. This award recognition is the result of that dedication.”
After receiving a $25,000 scholarship to kick-start his theatre career, Jake told Broadway.com that the best part of his time in New York City was getting to experience the Jimmys in their entirety and watch the incredibly talented nominees shine on stage.
As for his legacy, Jake's Jimmy Award means much more than an individual’s career-making opportunity. It sends a message to every student in the district and in Georgia that excellence is achievable. When a Milton Eagle soars to this level, it raises the bar for all students and inspires the next generation of performers to dream bigger. The spotlight is waiting for you.