Curtain Call for Excellence: Aldine Students Shine at International Thespian Festival

HOUSTON — Aldine ISD theatre students showcased their talent and excellence on a national level this summer at the 2025 International Thespian Festival, held from June 22 to June 27 in Bloomington, Indiana. Students from Carver Magnet High School, Eisenhower High School, Aldine High School, and Davis High School earned awards, scholarships, and college callbacks, proudly representing Aldine ISD on one of the largest stages for theatre education in the country.

Carver Magnet High School: Big Wins, National Spotlight

Carver’s theatre program celebrated two Thespy Award winners, 13 Superior Ratings, and one student earning a national scholarship. Additionally, senior Alyssa Dorsey took center stage in New York City as a semi-finalist at the Jimmy Awards, placing in the top 40 performers out of 110 nationwide. You can watch her performance here. 

Thespy Winners and Superior Ratings:

• Amare Haywood – Solo Acting (Thespy Winner, Superior)
• Ka’Sean Francis – Solo Musical (Thespy Winner, Superior)
• Bailey Day & Victor Gonzalez – Duet Acting (Superior)
• Hailey Gonzales, Tiara Lawrence, Devin Spearman, Daniel Thomas, and Aja White – Group Acting (Superior)
• Kennadie Amos, Amayah Watson, and Aniya Webster – Group Musical (Superior)
• Sannia Bell – Solo Acting (Superior)
• Amayah Watson – Solo Musical (Superior)

Additional ratings:

• Cora Frazier – Solo Acting (Excellent)
• Devin Spearman – Solo Acting (Excellent)

Scholarships and College Callbacks:

• Alyssa Dorsey was named a Grace Kelly Scholarship Award winner, one of only five recipients nationwide.
• Tre’Veon Green earned 18 college callbacks for his audition performance.

Additionally, Niya Kelly was selected as a Stage Manager for the 24-Hour Plays, an intensive, nationally recognized theatre experience.

“It’s truly an indescribable feeling to watch my students achieve their goals and shine on such big platforms,” said Roshunda Jones-Koumba, Carver HS theatre director, choice school liaison,  and Tony Award winner. 

“Seeing their hard work, talent, and dedication come to life and knowing they’re proudly representing Carver and Aldine ISD while doing it fills me with pride. Our students often overcome so many challenges to get to these moments, so when they stand on those stages and succeed, it’s a reminder of their resilience, determination, and limitless potential. It inspires me every day to keep pushing them and believing in what’s possible.”

Davis High School: National Repeat Performers

Davis High School also stood out, earning a National Superior ranking for the second consecutive year. Every Davis student competing in the acting category earned Superior ratings, a testament to the program’s continued excellence.

Group Acting – Superior Ratings & Mainstage Callback:

• “Crumbs from the Table of Joy” by Lynn Nottage
• Performers: Joyous Feagins, Calen Johnson, Brianna Emilien, Tamia Galveston, and Suyai Gallegos
• (Students will attend Texas Southern University and the University of Houston for theatre.)
• “I Just Wanna Tell Somebody” by Harold J. Haynes
• Performers: Jessica Arrendondo, Alexander Lozano, Abraham Lozano, Maliyah Wallace, Ezekiel Aguilera, and Shelby Johnson

Duet Acting – Superior Rankings:

• “Ramboella”
• Karen Singleton and Haley Griffin (both attending Prairie View A&M University)
• “The Shadow Box”
• Khalijah Williams (Texas State University), Victoria Harrison (Texas Southern University)

Theatre Marketing – Good Rating:

• “By the Way, Meet Vera Stark”
• Chinemerem Ugo

Several returning students from Davis, including Jessica Arrendondo, Abraham Cortez, Alexander Lozano, and Shelby Johnson, received over 20 combined callback and interview invitations from colleges. These opportunities include prestigious programs such as the University of Oklahoma, the Eugene O’Neill Theater Institute, and the American Academy of Dramatic Arts.

“It’s an amazing feeling to watch our students excel at such a high level and represent both themselves and the Aldine community with pride,” said Clifford Alexander, Davis High School theatre and technical director. “Seeing them flourish on national stages brings me immense joy. Their hard work, talent, and growth are what make this journey so rewarding.”

Eisenhower Ninth College Prep Freshmen Earn National Recognition with Excellent Ratings

Eisenhower Ninth College Prep continues to shine on the national stage, having produced a majority of freshman National Qualifiers for the past ten years under the guidance of Ms. Kristin Wilson. This tradition of excellence was upheld once again as students earned high marks at the 2025 Thespy Awards.

Competing in the acting category, two Eisenhower Ninth College Prep freshmen received Excellent Ratings, highlighting their talent, hard work, and commitment to the craft.

Thespy Excellent Ratings:
Khristian Houngbo – Solo Acting (Excellent)
Michelle Leon – Solo Acting (Excellent)

“The highlight for me was seeing the students support one another, not just from our school, but from across the country,” said Kristin Wilson, Eisenhower 9th Fine Arts Department Chair and Theatre Arts Director. “There was this amazing sense of community and encouragement throughout the week. Also, watching our students step into the national spotlight with confidence was a standout moment I’ll never forget.”

Eisenhower High School: Excellence Across Stage and Style

Eisenhower High School also made a strong impression at the International Thespian Festival, with students competing in technical theatre, monologue, and vocal performance categories. The program received a mix of Superior and Excellent Ratings, with several students returning as recognized national qualifiers.

Technical Theatre – Hair/Makeup:

• Madalin Carrillo Rodriguez – Excellent
• Karla Rodriguez – Excellent

Solo Performance – Monologue:

• Daniela Flores – Superior
• Jayda Macias – Superior
• Tirek Royston – Excellent
• William Sifuentes – Excellent

Duet/Group Vocal Musical Performance:

• Miguel Ramos and Logan Daniel Rouse – Excellent

Returning and Recognized National Qualifiers (2024):

• Madalin Carrillo Rodriguez – Hair/Makeup – Excellent
• Logan Daniel Rouse – Vocal Musical Solo – Superior

Eisenhower’s continued presence at the national level reflects the depth of talent within Aldine ISD’s theatre programs—not just on stage, but also behind the scenes.

Aldine High School Shining Bright with Thespian Wins and Superior Ratings

Thespy Winner, Superior & Excellent Ratings:

• Jesiel Rivera – Solo Acting (Thespy Winner, Superior & Qualified for Callbacks)
• Emily Escalante Reyes – Solo Acting (Superior for the 2nd year in a row)
• Juliette Martinez – Solo Acting Acting (Excellent)
• Bryan Paredes Sanchez – Solo Acting (Excellent)
• Eva Papillion – Solo Acting (Excellent)

Aldine ISD’s theatre students continue to excel and raise the bar for arts education across the state and nation. Their achievements not only reflect their dedication and talent but also underscore the district’s commitment to supporting creative expression and post-secondary opportunities in the performing arts.