“We’re beyond proud,” said Headliners Director, Joy Trimble.

She should be. Bowie has its first-ever state medalist in UIL Theatrical Design. That would be senior Genai Velasquez- Ebersole, who was one of only 21 students in the state selected to attend the State competition.   At state, Velasquez-Ebersole expertly presented her design and was selected fifth, which is enough to be named a UIL State medalist. 

“You may recall that earlier this year Genai spoke in front of the school board to help achieve the final step to have our Thespian Troupe classified as an Honor Troupe,” Trimble said. “She spent countless hours to help us achieve this status.  Genai has truly left a permanent mark on our department.”

This is the third year that the Headliners have entered the High School Musical Theatre Awards.  This year, senior Isaac Teran was the Bowie representative selected to perform during the awards ceremony.  Velasquez-Ebersole and junior Abi Pena were both selected as shadows for this year’s program.

“We are also very excited to announce that we were recipients of a $5,000 gift from Broadway Dallas and HEB,” said Trimble. “This was given to us to be used towards upcoming musical productions.   We even got to go onstage and receive a giant check.”

During the same night, senior Leilani Reece received an over $60,000 scholarship from her audition for AMDA- Academy of Musical and Dramatic Arts.

Elise Oliver also received a $2,500 Technical Theatre scholarship that evening.