Director's Note
A Weekend of Footnotes and a Majestic Season of Celebration
It is an incredibly busy and beautiful time at the North East School of the Arts. As we move into the final stretch of the semester, I want to take a moment to celebrate the immense talent and grit our students have shown across every department.
Join Us for "Footnotes" This Weekend!
First, I want to personally invite each of you to join us this weekend for our Dance department’s production of Footnotes. This performance is a true collaboration, featuring not only our dedicated dance majors but also our musical theater majors.
You can expect a stunning variety of styles, from the precision of ballet and the rhythm of tap to the energy of hip-hop and the flair of Broadway. Of course, none of this would be possible without our amazing technical theater students. I say it often because it is true: NOTHING happens without you, Tech! Your work behind the scenes is the backbone of every standing ovation we receive.
Tickets are available now at nesa.booktix.com. Come out and support these artists!
NESA Shines at the Joci Awards
I am also thrilled to share the recently released list of Joci Awards Finalists. For those who may be new to the program, the Joci Awards (presented by the Majestic Empire Foundation) are San Antonio’s premier performing arts scholarship competition. It is the largest program of its kind in the United States, providing more than $200,000 in scholarships annually to talented high schoolers.
I’ll be honest: last year, I didn't quite know what to expect from the Jocis. But when I sat in the audience, my jaw dropped at the level of talent displayed on the historic Majestic Theater stage. It is truly a Broadway-caliber showcase, and NESA is spectacularly represented this year.
Please join me in congratulating our finalists and honorees. We would love to see a sea of NESA faces in the crowd at the Majestic to support them!
Our 2024 Finalists & Honorees: * Best Acting Performance: Francesca Santos * Best Dance Performance: Cameron Rogers, Adie Garza, Taylor DeLeon, and Abby Love * Best Lead Actor in a Musical: Luke Woodruff * Best Lead Actress in a Musical: Isabella Cervera * Best Vocal Performance: Alexis Aplet, Clara Sankey, River Gannon, and Myla Clayton * Dance Honoree: Sophia Townsend * Vocal Performance Honorees: Addi Pounds, Ellie Hunter, and Lucas Wise * Lead Actor in a Musical Honoree: Grant Tuder * Lead Actress in a Musical Honoree: Casey Finn
And in a huge win for our theater department, our production of Sweeney Todd has been named one of the top six musicals in the region!
I am incredibly proud of every single one of you. I see the long hours, the sore muscles, and the relentless dedication you put into your craft. This fantastic showing is a testament to your hard work and the vibrant artistic community we have built here at NESA.
See you at the theater!
Mon
Apr 6
- Evolution of Dance Day
Dance has been a fundamental part of human culture for centuries, constantly evolving with new styles, trends, and influences. Evolution of Dance Day on April 6 celebrates the creativity, energy, and nostalgia of dance while paying tribute to Judson Laipply, whose viral video “Evolution of Dance” captivated millions and became one of the earliest internet sensations.
Whether you’re breaking it down to ’80s pop, mastering hip-hop moves, or just having fun, this day is all about appreciating the joy of movement.
Th
Fr
Sat
Sun
Coming Soon
Coming soon
- April 17-19 Creative Writing Play Offs!
- April 18 NESA Auditions
- April 18 Prom
- April 30, May 1-3 Grease
- May 8 Multiples Art Show and SALE!
- May 15 Senior Instrumental Music Concert
- May 16 800 LB Film Festival
- May 17 Joci Awards at the Majestic Theater
- May 21 NESA Banquet
- May 24 (THIS IS A SUNDAY) Graduation
- June 5 Senior Perspectives Art Show @Tethered in Blue Star
pARTners News
pARTners
Banquet is Thursday, May 21. The theme is Alice in Wonderland!!!
- Banquet Details:
- Ticket sales start April 13-May 3 for 25 dollars. Starting May 4-11, ticket prices will be 35 dollars.
- Tickets can not be sold one week prior to the banquet and we can not sell tickets at the door per Skyroom new requirements. Our attendee count must be set by May 14.
- Ticket link will be available on our website www.nesapartners.net
- Senior parents will be able to attend. Other parents will have the opportunity to volunteer.
- Senior scholarship application form is live on our website under the “more” tab. Scholarship requirements are also on the website. This scholarship is based on character and final approval will be done by NESA pARTners board, major directors and Mrs. Askey
- Send photos to nesapartnersphotos@gmail.com for slideshow
- Senior slideshow form will be available on our website soon
News and links
NESA Summer PE
Summer PE is right around the corner! Current information is still tentative so NOT YET SET IN STONE but I want to give you as much info as early as possible.
We are looking at a start date of June 8, and an end date of June 30.
Time is 8AM to 3PM Monday through Thursday.
Cost will be around 300$.
We will meet in front of the PAC
If you are interested, sign up on the linked google form
Senior Corner
🎓 The Final Countdown: Graduation Gear & Signing Day!
Can you believe it? You are officially in the final term of your high school journey! You’ve worked incredibly hard to get here, and the finish line is in sight. You’ve got this!
🏆 Announcing: NESA Signing Day 2026!
Due to the massive success of last year’s event, we are doing it again! We’re opening up timeslots before school on May 13 & 14 in the PAC.
How to secure your spot: 1. The Form: Fill out the attached Google Form to let Ms. Askey know you’re interested. 2. The Proof: Bring Ms. Askey proof of your college/university acceptance. (This is an official NEISD policy—I’m sure there’s a fascinating story behind why that rule exists, but I’m not privy to it! 🕵️♂️) 3. The Slot: Once you show your proof, I’ll send you the SignUpGenius link to grab your official timeslot.
Your Table, Your Style: We provide the tables in the PAC; you are responsible for bringing, setting up, breaking down, and cleaning up your decorations. Let’s make them look spectacular!
👔 The "New Alumni" Gear Bundle
To get you ready for the big stage, it’s time to order your NESA Graduation Stole.
- The Stole ($20): This year’s batch is special! We’ve upgraded to premium embroidered stoles that look incredible. (Note: A stole is required for the ceremony. If you have an old one from a former NESA grad, you can use that—but these new ones are super cool.)
- The Alumni Tee (Only $10!): These are usually $25, but since you’re about to become our newest alumni, you can snag one for just $10 when you buy it with your stole.
- How to pay: Use your SchoolCash account, or bring cash/check to Mr. Rodarte.
❤️ Supporting Our Seniors
We want every single student to walk the stage with pride.
- Need a hand? If the cost is a barrier, please come chat with Ms. Askey. No one will walk the stage sans NESA stole because of financial difficulties.
- Want to sponsor a peer? You are the best! There is a donation spot on SchoolCash to sponsor a senior who may be struggling. You can also bring funds to Mr. Rodarte.
- Note: If you want to sponsor a specific student, let Ms. Askey or Mr. Rodarte know. It stays confidential unless you tell us otherwise!
Prom
Click the link for more info on LEE Prom
- Theme- A Night in the Bayou
- Saturday April 18 7:30-10:30 PM
- Red Oak Ballroom
- Tickets 40-45$ Presale only. NO TICKETS SOLD AT THE DOOR
- Off Campus Guests must be a high school student or former LEE/ISA/NESA/STEM student under the age of 21 with an approved form (can be picked up in the LEE main office)