Two Kentucky high school students, Jack Nelson from McCracken County High School and McKinley Harper from George Rogers Clark High School, have achieved remarkable success by winning the Best Actor and Best Actress awards at the 2026 Kentucky Performing Arts Bradley Awards. This achievement grants them the opportunity to compete on a national stage at the Jimmy Awards in New York City, which is renowned for recognizing the top high school musical theater performers across the country.
Local Talent Shines
The Bradley Awards ceremony, held at Louisville’s Brown Theatre, brought together talented high school theater students from across Kentucky and southern Indiana, with participation from 35 schools this year. Nelson and Harper’s victories highlight the exceptional talent present in Kentucky’s high school theater programs.
Jack Nelson expressed his excitement and disbelief at the honor, stating, “I just put it on such a pedestal that, like, it just didn’t even seem real. And honestly, I don’t think it will seem real until I’m in New York City at the Jimmy Awards.” His sentiments reflect the significance of this achievement for young performers aspiring to make their mark in the theater world.
McKinley Harper, who joined her school’s theater program for the first time this year, described the experience as life-changing. “I started the program this year for the first time. My school didn’t do it last year, but it’s been an amazing experience. I never thought I’d get to this level,” she shared. Her journey underscores the transformative power of arts education and the opportunities it can provide for students.
Path to the Jimmy Awards
As winners of the Bradley Awards, Nelson and Harper will receive an all-expenses-paid trip to New York City. There, they will participate in coaching sessions, master classes, and rehearsals with Broadway professionals, culminating in their performance at the Jimmy Awards ceremony on June 22. This opportunity not only recognizes their talent but also provides invaluable exposure and experience in the world of professional theater.
The achievements of these young performers serve as an inspiration to their peers and a testament to the vibrant arts community in Kentucky. Their journey to the Jimmy Awards is a celebration of dedication, talent, and the support of their schools and communities.
Original reporting: WLKY Louisville — read the source article.
