Local students vie for the national Jimmy Awards in NYC

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by Tina James, Education Programs Coordinator for the Patel Conservatory

Samantha Schinder-Behen and Joshua Grosso represent
the Straz Center at the National High School Musical
Theater Awards this week in New York City.

During the Florida State Thespian Festival in March, the Straz Center awarded the Broadway Star of the Future award to Samantha Schinder-Behen of Howard W. Blake School of the Arts and Jordan Rodnizki of Countryside High School. Those students would go on to represent the Straz Center at the National High School Musical Theater Awards in NYC.Since March a few things have changed. Jordan will not be joining Samantha in New York due to a prior commitment, and Joshua Grosso from American Heritage will be taking his place. Yesterday was day one of Sam and Joshua’s seven day adventure in NYC. Over the next couple of days I’ll provide you with an inside look into the daily schedule and events happening with our Broadway Star of the Future awardees. So lets begin!I meet Sam bright and early at Tampa International Airport. 8:45am to be exact! Based on our experience this morning in the airport, I can tell this week will be full of interesting encounters. Once our flight landed in NYC, we meet up with Joshua and we are officially on the “Road to the Jimmy’s”!

Sam being interviewed by PBS, which is producing a
documentary about high school musical performers.

Here is a quick snap shot of yesterday's schedule:

• 3:00pm-5:30pm – Check-in
• 6:00pm-7pm – Welcome Reception & Dinner
• 7:00pm-10:30pm – Group Assignments & Rehearsal

As you can see, Sam and Joshua hit the ground running! 
Check back for more updates...write with you soon!
- Tina James(As the Education Programs Coordinator for the Patel Conservatory, Tina oversees the Conservatory’s Community Partnership program as well as all community-based programs involving Broadway Family Nights, Family First Night, National High School Musical Theater Awards as well as National Broadway League initiatives.)