Davis High School Theatre Program Earns Top State Recognition

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The Davis High School Theatre Department has been recognized with Exemplary Status by the Texas Educational Theatre Association (TxETA) in its 2025 Award of Distinction program — the highest honor granted by the organization.

The award celebrates schools across Texas for outstanding contributions to theatre education, including achievement, advocacy, diversity, and community involvement.

“We applaud Davis High School for its remarkable efforts in promoting theatre arts. Their program serves as a model of creativity, community, and educational excellence,” said Travis Springfield, past president of TxETA.

Davis Falcon Thespians seen performing in the spring 2025 musical production of “Little Shop of Horrors.”

For the Davis High School theater department, the recognition marks a milestone more than a decade in the making. The theater troupe, under the dedicated leadership of Dr. Cliff D. Alexander, theatre director at Davis High School; and Roenia Thompson, assistant director of theater at Davis Ninth Grade School, has achieved this significant recognition.

Dr. Cliff D. Alexander

“Achieving this status means a lot to me, to Ms. Thompson, and to our entire program,” said Alexander. “I opened the Davis Theatre Program in 2012 and then returned in 2023. To be recognized by our peers across the state feels amazing — it’s a validation of the work and opportunities we’ve provided for students here in Aldine ISD.”

TxETA evaluates award applicants across a wide range of criteria, including the quality and number of performances, access to performance spaces and resources, participation in UIL and other competitions, and support from school leadership.

Roenia Thompson

Alexander shared that he and Thompson have built a program that gives students real opportunities to grow through curriculum, productions, and competition. He lauded the students who have shown an incredible level of commitment, “finding their outlet in theatre, and leading with precision and heart.”

Recent productions at Davis High School include Little Shop of Horrors, Super Soul Revue, a new original work titled Power to the Queendom, and UIL contest plays The Women of Troy and The Cover of Life. The program also competes at the Texas Thespian Festival and the National Thespian Festival, with aspirations for another national qualification this school year.

A Davis Falcon Thespian performs in “Little Shop of Horrors.”

Student voices reflect the deep impact the program has had.

Brianna Emilien, a recent graduate and two-year president of the Falcon Thespians, shared that she was overjoyed when she heard the news, “making every late night, every rehearsal, every risk we took finally paid off.” They proved that Troupe 8365 is “a force to be reckoned with.”

Brianna described her time in the program as transformative, a sentiment echoed by many other students who have been part of the Davis High School Theatre Program.

“Because of theatre, I’ve learned to chase my goals with confidence and have pride in who I am,” Brianna said. “If you’re thinking about joining the theatre program, take the leap! You’ll grow not just as a performer, but as a person.”

Creating a welcoming, inclusive environment is at the core of Davis Theatre’s mission.

A Davis Falcon Thespian performs in “Little Shop of Horrors.”

“We embrace students wherever they are in life. Theatre is a space for every learner — no matter their background or abilities,” said Thompson, assistant director of theatre, emphasizing the inclusive nature of the Davis Theatre Program. “Whether students are on stage, backstage, or behind the camera, they have a voice here.”

Both Alexander and Thompson credit their administration and Aldine ISD for consistently supporting the arts.

“A strong program takes resources, time, and support,” Alexander said. “Our campus and district leadership have backed us every step of the way — from allowing us to compete and train outside of school to ensuring our students have opportunities that lead to statewide recognition.”

The Texas Educational Theatre Association will formally recognize Davis High School at its annual Theatre Educator Conference in October in Arlington, Texas.

“This recognition reflects the passion and hard work of our theatre educators, students, and the campus community,” said Principal Anthony Watkins. “We are proud of the culture of creativity and expression our theatre program continues to build.”

Visit Davis High School’s website to learn more about its programs, such as theater arts, and discover how you can get involved. For more about the Award of Distinction program, visit txeta.com/awards.