Carver High School Shines at 2025 Tommy Tune Awards

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Carver High School for Applied Technology, Engineering and the Fine Arts took center stage Friday night at the 2025 Tommy Tune Awards, bringing home multiple honors for its production of Dreamgirls — including a top acting prize and recognition for excellence both onstage and behind the scenes.

“I’m incredibly proud of our students and what they accomplished with Dreamgirls. This recognition reflects their hard work, passion, and dedication to the craft,” said Roshunda Jones-Koumba, lead director of theater at Carver High School. “Being honored on this stage means so much — not just for our program, but for our entire community. We always say that theater builds confidence, leadership, and teamwork, and I see all of that come to life through every production.”

Senior Alyssa Dorsey was named a 2025 Jimmy Awards® nominee for her performance in Dreamgirls, earning one of the highest honors in high school musical theater. The Jimmy Awards, presented annually in New York City, spotlight the nation’s top high school performers.

“Being named the Jimmy Award Nominee Winner for the second year in a row is an incredible honor,” Alyssa Dorsey said. “I’m especially proud of Troupe #6753 for the heart, talent, and dedication we brought to bringing Dreamgirls to life. I’m deeply grateful to my directors, Roshunda Jones-Koumba, Jabari Collins, and Jamar Hawkins, for always believing in me and helping me grow both as a performer and as a person. I’m thrilled to represent Carver, Aldine, and Houston, TX, on the national stage at the Jimmy Awards.”

Carver also received the Spirit Award, a prestigious recognition for Reagan Wilson’s outstanding contribution to the school’s theater program. This award, along with several Tier 1 awards, including Outstanding Ensemble, Outstanding Technical Achievement, Outstanding Music Direction (Donte Wright), Outstanding Director (Roshunda Jones-Koumba), and Outstanding Sound Design (Zariah Tatum), further solidifies Carver’s position as a leader in high school musical theater.

Other individual honors went to Jamar Hawkins for Outstanding Costume Design, Niya Kelly for Outstanding Stage Management, and Kasean Francis for Outstanding Supporting Lead — all for their exceptional work in Dreamgirls.

2025 Tommy Tune Awards for Carver HS’ Dreamgirls Recap (11 Awards)

- Jimmy Awards® Nominee Winner — Alyssa Dorsey
- Spirit Award — Reagan Wilson
- Outstanding Ensemble — Tier 1: Carver High School
- Outstanding Technical Achievement — Tier 1: Carver High School
- Outstanding Director — Tier 1: Roshunda Jones-Koumba
- Outstanding Scenic Design — Jabari Collins
- Outstanding Music Direction — Tier 1: Donte Wright
- Outstanding Costume Design (tie) — Tier 1: Jamar Hawkins
- Outstanding Sound Design — Tier 1: Zariah Tatum
- Outstanding Stage Management — Tier 1: Niya Kelly
- Outstanding Supporting Lead — Kasean Francis

The awards ceremony, held June 6 at the Hobby Center for the Performing Arts and hosted by Theatre Under The Stars, is the city’s premier event celebrating high school musical theater. Inspired by Broadway legend and Houston native Tommy Tune, the annual event highlights the talent and dedication of student performers, designers, and directors across the Greater Houston Area.

Carver High School competed in the Tier 1 division, which recognizes large-scale musical productions. It earned multiple nominations in various categories this year. The show’s success marks a continued tradition of excellence for the Aldine ISD magnet campus, known for its strong fine arts program.

The Tommy Tune Awards celebrate education, artistry, and community in musical theater. Houston-area schools are evaluated by professional artists from October through March, with finalists announced each spring. Winners are revealed during the high-energy ceremony featuring student performances and tributes.

Under the direction of Roshunda Jones-Koumba, Jabari Collins, and Jamar Hawkins, Carver’s theater program has built a long tradition of excellence. It consistently produces high-caliber performances and earns local, state, and national accolades. Their dedication to fostering young talent has helped establish Carver as a powerhouse in high school musical theater, inspiring students to pursue careers in the performing arts. The Carver HS theater began to compete in the Tommy Tune Awards program in 2008. To date, Carver has earned over 160 nominations and with this year’s competition, 32 wins. 2025 marked Carver’s ninth time being named an Outstanding Musical finalist. Carver is a Choice School in AISD.

Carver’s latest honors not only celebrate the school’s achievements but also significantly enhance its reputation in the Houston arts education scene. These accolades demonstrate the transformative power of the performing arts in public education and the school’s commitment to fostering talent and creativity.