The Spotlight Awards celebrates high school musical theatre by recognizing achievements in performance, technical excellence, and creativity through professional adjudication and teacher nominations.
Several Rutherford County Schools students and theatre programs have been nominated for the 2025-2026 year. Celebrating its 10th anniversary, the Spotlight Awards ceremony will be held May 24 at the Tennessee Performing Arts Center.
TPAC’s membership in The Broadway League, allows the two Spotlight Award Outstanding Lead Performer winners to attend the National High School Musical Theatre Awards, known as The Jimmy Awards.
Meet the nominees from Rutherford County Schools!
All Star Crew Nominees
- Blackman High - Javone Walker, Emily Davis
- Rockvale High - Deari Gordon, Sophie Lebo
- Siegel High - Briley Kennamer, Evy McKeand
- Smyrna High - Poppy Miller, Derek Sharpton
- Stewarts Creek High - Mak Abd El Nour, Meghan Fritschler
All Star Cast Nominees
- Blackman High - Gus Golden, Jaxson Remple
- Rockvale High - Brycen Patterson, Keymani Richardson
- Siegel High - Kai Earwood, Kenton Tracy
- Smyrna High - Emily Jones, Kener Elvira-Morales
- Stewarts Creek High - Mary Ezzat, Bryson Fletcher
Outstanding Student Stage Manager Nominee: Evy McKeand – Siegel High
Outstanding Solo Performance Nominee: Kai Earwood (for “Wait for Me/If It’s True”) - Siegel High
Founder’s Award Nominee: Reagan Wright – Rockvale High
Outstanding Direction Nominee: Stewarts Creek High
Outstanding Music Direction Nominees: Siegel High and Stewarts Creek High
Outstanding Choreography Nominee: Rockvale High
Outstanding Design Concept Nominee: Stewarts Creek High
Outstanding Costume Design Nominees: Rockvale High and Stewarts Creek High
Outstanding Hair & Makeup Design Nominees: Rockvale High and Smyrna High
Outstanding Sound Operation Nominees: Stewarts Creek High
Outstanding Set Design Nominees: Rockvale High and Stewarts Creek High
Outstanding Orchestra Nominee: Stewarts Creek High
Outstanding Applause Award Special Recognition: Siegel High
Outstanding Lead Performers Nominees
- Blackman High - Brooklyn Bennett, McKenzie Stevens, Angelo Cannon
- Rockvale High - Piper Lebo, Brycen Patterson
- Siegel High - Kai Earwood, Lillie McKeand, Kenton Tracy
- Smyrna High - Camren Leslie, Lauryn Isaac
- Stewarts Creek High - Bryson Fletcher, Marly Ezzat
Outstanding Supporting Performer Nominees
- Blackman High - Maren Franklin, Landon Andrew
- Siegel High - Lauren Campos
Outstanding Comedic Performer Nominees
- Rockvale High - Keymani Richardson
- Stewarts Creek High - Wilker Viscaya
Outstanding Dramatic Performer Nominee: Blackman High - Brooklyn Bennett
Outstanding Dancer Nominees
- Rockvale High - Brycen Patterson
- Siegel High - Bryler Follis
- Smyrna High - Kener Elvira-Morales
Outstanding Vocalist Nominee: Brycen Patterson – Rockvale High
Outstanding Large Ensemble Nominee: Blackman High
Outstanding Ensemble Performer Nominee: Nia Hearn – Rockvale High
Outstanding Scene Partner Nominee: Camren Leslie – Smyrna High
Outstanding Technical Achievement Nominees
- Abcde Brummer – Smyrna High
- Mark Abd el Nour – Stewarts Creek High
Outstanding Original Design Creation Nominees
- Leah Poole – Rockvale High
- Poppy Miller – Smyrna High
Outstanding Encore Ensemble Nominees
- Oakland High - Bailie Davis
- Rockvale High - Nia Hearn, Reagan Wright
- Rockvale Middle - Emma Bradley
- Siegel High - Cash Statum, Oscar Mora
- Smyrna High - Andrew Mathis, Kener Elvira-Morales
- Stewarts Creek High - Jaiden Simon
Outstanding Musical Nominees
- Rockvale High
- Siegel High
- Stewarts Creek High