Carver High School Theatre Students Advance to Nationals, Earn City Recognition

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21 students qualify for nationals as the Choice School program continues another year of excellence.

It has been a semester to remember for the Carver High School Theatre Department.

From national competition qualifiers to a City of Houston proclamation to a prestigious board recognition, Carver’s theatre students and directors have spent the spring collecting honors that reflect years of dedication — and a program that continues to set the standard for excellence in Aldine ISD.

21 National Qualifiers

Carver High School theatre students recently competed in the Texas Thespians Virtual Thespy Competition, a statewide individual event that gives students an additional opportunity to earn national recognition. The virtual competition took place in January 2026, and Carver delivered an exceptional showing.

All six students who submitted virtual entries earned Superior Ratings, qualifying them for national competition. Combined with qualifiers earned at the Texas Thespians State Festival in November 2025, Carver now boasts 21 national qualifiers this school year — three of whom qualified in more than one event.

Virtual Thespy Competition — National Qualifiers

(* Denotes students who qualified in two events)

• Contrasting Monologues — *Amare Haywood
• Prop Construction — Gia Thomas
• Solo Musical — Hailey Gonzales
• Solo Musical — *Johnny Kelley
• Solo Musical — Roma Velado
• Stage Management — *Niya Kelly

Note: Carver HS provided the Virtual Thespy Competition results.

Texas Thespians State Festival — National Qualifiers (November 2025 State Event)

(* Denotes student who qualified in two events)

• Contrasting Monologues — Tre’Veon Green
• Costume Design — Ashlyn Jack
• Duet Musical — Cedric Miller and *Trinity Jones
• Ensemble Acting — Dakarai Smith, Kaylee King, Jeremiah Barber, Na’Leeyah Tatum, and Rheagan Thompson
• Lighting Design — London Myles
• Playwriting — *Trinity Jones
• Solo Musical — Ka’Sean Francis
• Solo Musical — David Gipson
• Solo Musical — Sannia Bell
• Solo Musical Theatre Dance — Kenneth Jordan
• Two-Person Scene — Allen Hampton and Johnny Kelley
• Two-Person Scene — Amare Haywood and Niya Kelly

“Way to go, Panthers!” said head theatre director Roshunda Jones-Koumba. “Our students have worked incredibly hard to reach this level, and I’m proud of the way they continue to grow as performers, leaders, and storytellers. These recognitions are a reflection of their commitment and the support they receive from our Aldine community.”

Aldine ISD students at the 2025 Texas State Thespian Festival in November.

A Student Leader for Texas Thespians

Carver sophomore Allen Hampton has been selected to serve as a Texas Thespians Student Leader Ambassador — a competitive, statewide role recognizing students who exemplify leadership, academic excellence, and a commitment to advocating for theatre education.

Hampton’s term began Feb. 14, 2026, and runs through May 31, 2027.

Student Leader Ambassadors promote public awareness of the value and impact of theatre education by encouraging and empowering students across Texas to use their voices to champion their programs.

City of Houston Proclaims March as Theatre in Our Schools Month

In a recognition that extends beyond the campus and into the community, the City of Houston issued a formal proclamation declaring March as Theatre in Our Schools Month — highlighting Carver High School’s contributions to the theatre community.

Special appreciation was extended to Councilwoman Alejandra Salinas for her support, Aldine ISD Board Member Angela Williams for presenting the proclamation, and the Collaborating Voices Foundation and Kathy Tatum for helping make the moment meaningful.

Students Na’Leeyah Tatum, Allen Hampton, and Niya Kelly were also recognized for their leadership in bringing Theatre in Our Schools Month to life.

A Season of Excellence

These spring honors build on an already remarkable year for Carver Theatre — including a first-place finish at the Zone, District, and Bi-District rounds of the UIL One-Act Play competition, and are advancing to the Region One-Act Play contest with Porgy. And the recent announcements on earning 35 nominations in the Tommy Tune 2026 Awards competition for its production of The Wiz and being named a finalist in two categories.

Together, these accomplishments reflect a program that is not just performing — it is leading.

Aldine ISD congratulates the students, directors, and supporters of the Carver High School Theatre Department on a season of extraordinary achievement. Their dedication, talent, and commitment to excellence continue to elevate the #AldineStory and showcase what’s possible when students are given the opportunity to shine.