Director's Note
A Weekend of Wonder: Celebrating Our Students' Boundless Creativity and Talent!
This year has been an absolute whirlwind of new experiences, and honestly, I am loving every minute of it! This past weekend was no exception, bringing with it two truly remarkable events that left me in awe of our students' incredible abilities: the Creative Writing Playoffs and the Joci Awards.
The Creative Writing Playoffs were, to put it mildly, mystifying in their scope. Sixteen original plays, running simultaneously on two stages, all entirely written, directed, and staged by our talented students. The sheer logistics of such an undertaking initially perplexed me – how would it all come together? While the intricate details still feel a bit like magic, I must extend my deepest admiration to Ms. Charney, whose dedication, passion, and tireless effort have clearly been the driving force behind this incredible program.
But let's talk about the plays themselves for a moment. If you ever need a vibrant and undeniable demonstration of just how brilliant, quirky, and utterly creative our students are, then the Playoffs are an absolute must-see. The range of narratives was astounding! We were treated to hilarious comedies involving holiday chaos on a dating show, intriguing tales of undercover spies, a brave (and intentionally bad!) stand-up comedy act (trust me, it was part of the genius plot!), and my personal favorite: a whimsical dream where iconic romantic interests from literature sprang to life. It was a true testament to the imaginative power of our young writers and performers.
Following the whirlwind of the Playoffs, the Joci Awards felt like stepping into a genuine fairy tale. The sheer amount of work that culminates in this one spectacular night is simply breathtaking. Our day began bright and early at 9 AM at the historic Empire Theatre, followed by a full run-through and dress rehearsal before the grand finale at the majestic Majestic Theatre in front of a nearly packed house.
So, what exactly are the Joci Awards? In their own words:
Experience the Magic of the 2025 Joci Awards!
Get ready for one of the most electrifying nights of the year! The 2025 Joci Awards is where passion meets performance, dreams take center stage, and the rising stars of San Antonio and South Texas shine brighter than ever before. Presented by The Majestic Empire Foundation, this one-night-only spectacular will, for the first time ever, transform the legendary Majestic Theatre into a breathtaking celebration of youth, talent, and the transformative power of the performing arts and arts education.
From show-stopping musical numbers by outstanding high school ensembles to Broadway-worthy solo performances, the Joci Awards is more than a show — it’s a movement. Each performance is part of a thrilling competition for life-changing scholarships, awarded to some of the most gifted high school performing arts students across South Texas. To date, the Foundation has awarded more than $1.7 million, helping launch the dreams of countless young artists — no matter their chosen field of study.
Recognized as the largest and most comprehensive program of its kind in the nation, and proudly serving as an official Regional Awards Program for the National High School Musical Theatre Awards (The Jimmy Awards®), the Joci Awards is a powerful celebration of artistry, ambition, and possibility.
Don’t miss your chance to witness the future take flight — live, center stage, for one unforgettable night only. You’ll laugh, you’ll cheer, you’ll leave inspired.
The 2025 Joci Awards — where dreams come alive.
And dreams truly did come alive for our incredible students! They brought home close to $70,000 in scholarships, a testament to their immense talent and dedication. But the accolades didn't stop there. Our students had the extraordinary opportunity to perform alongside Tony-nominated Broadway star Derek Klena and in front of a panel of esteemed Broadway professionals, including Baayork Lee, Alan Green, Tyrick Wiletz Jones, J Elaine Marcos, and John Riddle.
Our students are likely feeling the well-deserved exhaustion today, and honestly, so am I! But my weariness is overshadowed by an immense sense of pride and joy. Witnessing these brilliant young individuals write, act, dance, sing, and manage productions on our own stage, and then shine on a nationally acclaimed stage like the Majestic, is truly inspiring.
Thank you for entrusting us with your talented children. Their passion and dedication continue to amaze me, and I can't wait to see what incredible things they accomplish next!
Spotlight
NESA Junior Gianna Carruth Achieves Unprecedented National Art Recognition
The North East School of the Arts (NESA) community is buzzing with pride as junior Gianna Carruth has achieved a remarkable feat, earning the most prestigious award available to secondary student artists. Gianna has been awarded the National Gold Medal and the highly coveted American Visions Award. This extraordinary achievement, Gianna's "biggest and proudest accomplishment" through NESA, marks a historic moment for NESA. The National Gold Medal alone signifies exceptional artistic talent and dedication, but the addition of the American Visions Award places Gianna among the top young artists in the entire nation.
Gianna's dedication to her craft is evident in the countless hours she pours into each piece of artwork. As any art student knows, the creative process is demanding, requiring focus, skill, and unwavering commitment. Gianna embodies these qualities, consistently pushing her artistic boundaries while also excelling in her academic pursuits. Her impressive GPA, exceeding 104, speaks volumes about her commitment to both her artistic passion and her schoolwork. According to her Art Director, Ms. Gonzales, "A junior and gifted painter, Gianna's work explores portraiture and figurative subject matter. Working primarily in oils, Gianna uses a very traditional technique, building her paintings through careful layers of glaze-like transparent oil paint."
But Gianna's dedication extends beyond the walls of NESA. For the past four years, she has also been a dedicated student at the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) School of Arts, taking teen art classes. Remarkably, she was accepted into this high school/college level program as an eighth grader, showcasing her exceptional talent and maturity at a young age. As Gianna shared, "I am a Junior NESA VA and I volunteer at the Mcnay and take teen art classes at UTSA." Reflecting on her journey to NESA, Gianna mentioned, "I found out about NESA through a family friend and I have wanted to come here since around 5th grade, when I knew I wanted to pursue art." She added, "I've been interested in art since I was a little kid, but I knew I loved it around 5th or 6th grade when I started taking formal art classes in school and at the Southwest School of Art."
Adding another layer to her already impressive profile, Gianna also generously volunteers her time at the McNay Art Museum. This commitment to engaging with the wider art community further demonstrates her passion and desire to learn and contribute.
Gianna's exceptional achievements have earned her an invitation to New York, where she will attend workshops and formally receive her National Gold Medal and American Visions Award. This trip represents a significant opportunity for her artistic growth and a well-deserved recognition of her hard work and talent. While not 100% certain, Ms. Gonzales noted, "Gianna plans to continue her study of art and art history and possibly pursue a career in art conservation/restoration. Gianna plans to attend the University of Texas, Austin for her BFA and the School of the Art Institute of Chicago for her MFA." This aligns with Gianna's own aspirations as she stated, "After NESA I'm planning on going to college, hopefully UT or SAIC, to major in studio art or art history."
When asked about her favorite aspects of NESA, Gianna shared, "My favorite part about NESA is all of the close friends I have made during my time here." She also offered advice for new NESA students: "really put yourself out there and don't be afraid to talk to new people, make connections, and talk about your art (regardless of major) to everyone you meet. Also, don't procrastinate." In a lighter vein, Gianna revealed something surprising about herself: "Something about me that might surprise people is that I got my head stuck in a tuba when I was 3 years old."
The entire NESA community congratulates Gianna Carruth on this monumental achievement. Her dedication, talent, and commitment serve as an inspiration to her fellow classmates and a testament to the exceptional artistic environment fostered at NESA. We eagerly anticipate witnessing her future artistic endeavors and celebrate this well-deserved recognition of her extraordinary talent.
Tue
Coming Soon
- April 22 - Algebra I EOC
- April 26 - Prom
- May 1-4 Midsummer Night's Dream
- May 7 IM Concerto Concert(o)
- May 9 Multiples VA Show
- May 12 MT Freshman voice recital
- May 13 MT Senior Voice recital
- May 14 Senior Dance & Technical Theatre Recital
- May 17 800lbs Film Festival
- May 19 CW Book Drop
- May 22 NESA Banquet
- May 25 Graduation
- June 6 Senior Show VA Blue Star
pARTners News
Our AMAZING parent group the NESA pARTners welcomes you! We’re beyond grateful for the incredible support our parent organization, NESA pARTners, has provided this school year! In December alone, they raised $7,195 for our students and directors, along with contributions to key projects like: 📸 $450 for photography for Steppin’ Into the Holidays 🎬 $504 for StudioBinder software 🎥 $1,000 for the Austin Film Festival 📌 $335 for light signage for SpongeBob
Thank you, NESA pARTners, for your unwavering support and generosity. Your dedication plays a vital role in helping our students shine and achieve their creative dreams! 🌟👏
NESA pARTners is a dedicated parent organization committed to supporting the North East School of the Arts (NESA) students and staff across all majors. Operating behind the scenes, the group provides invaluable assistance in a variety of ways. From fundraising initiatives and providing pre-show meals to backstage support, costume creation, and box office management, NESA pARTners volunteers contribute countless hours to ensure the success of NESA events and programs.
The organization plays a crucial role in supporting NESA’s mission by funding enrichment programs, scholarships, and classroom resources through membership dues and fundraising efforts such as Silent Auctions, Family Nights, and The Big Give. The annual NESA Banquet, hosted by pARTners, serves as a celebratory culmination of the school year, recognizing student achievements. With a variety of volunteer opportunities to suit different time commitments, NESA pARTners welcomes individuals eager to contribute to the vibrant NESA community.
News and links
Senior Corner
The following Google form is about:
stoles senior signing day alumni shirts Click on the blue forms.gle below to access the google form please
Summer PE
Are you looking to sign up for Summer PE? Here is the Google Form! PE - SKILLS-BASED LIFETIME ACTIVITES (7217)
JUNE 2nd - JUNE 24TH ($270) (1.0 CREDIT) HOURS WILL BE FROM 8:OOAM - 3:OOPM
*SUMMER PE WILL BE HELD ON NESA/LEE CAMPUS.
YOU MUST HAVE YOUR COUNSELOR'S APPROVAL FROM MRS. DELVALLE AND/OR MRS. WATKINS IN ORDER TO ATTEND NESA SUMMER SCHOOL. Payment can be made in person with Mr. Rodarte in the NESA office at LEE High School. Cash or check, please make check payable to "North East School of the Arts". Registration deadline is May 19, 2025 at 4PM and payment deadline is May 23, 2025, by noon. NO REFUNDS*** One absence with a doctor note is the maximum allowed. Click on the blue forms.gle below to access the google form please
Seniors, Apply for the Blossom Scholarship!
Attention all 2025 Seniors!
LEE PTSA has another opportunity for you win a scholarship. This scholarship is open to any LEE/STEM/NESA/ISA student who plans to continue their education at a college/university. Scholarship provides financial assistance of a one-time $500.00 scholarship. A minimum of two (2) Scholarships will be awarded. If you are an applicant applying you must have a satisfactory scholastic record and be of good moral character. Please Click below to apply or scan the QR code found in the flier attached. If you have any issues or questions please email Ana-Maria Morales at blossomscholarship@leecampusptsa.org
Testing with Mr. Goodwin
- AP testing will happen from May 5-9 and May 12-16. Please make sure that you are present for the day of testing.(There are no makeups)
- Make sure that you know your CollegeBoard login. You will need it for all of your AP tests.
- You will need to bring some form of ID when testing (School ID or Driver’s License). If you need to get a school ID, you can get one in the school library before school, 1-3 periods, 7-8 periods, and after school during the next few weeks. Please get a pass from your teacher if you are coming during the school day. Don’t wait until your testing day.
- If you have a morning AP exam, please arrive by 7:45 a.m. Testing will begin at 8:15 a.m. Please eat breakfast before you come to school, the cafeteria will not be open yet.
- If you have an afternoon AP exam, be to your testing room by 12:00 p.m. for check in. Testing will begin by 12:30 p.m. You may want to bring your lunch that day, so you can eat before the afternoon test.
- If you show up after 8:05 a.m. for the morning exam and 12:20 p.m. for the afternoon exam, you will not be allowed to enter the testing room.
- Testing locations will be mainly in the large spaces (JROTC Building, PERC, and the MPR (Library). I will start posting testing locations in a couple of weeks.
- If you get extra time on the afternoon AP Exam and ride the school bus, you need to make arrangements for a ride in case you are testing past 4:30 p.m.