Denfeld’s Reagan Kern to attend the Jimmy Awards in New York City

Denfeld High School senior Reagan Kern has become the first student chosen from northern Minnesota to represent the state at the Broadway League’s Jimmy Awards in New York City.

The National High School Musical Theatre Awards® (NHSMTA®), otherwise known as the Jimmy Awards®, was established in 2009 to elevate the importance of theatre arts education in schools and reward excellence in student performance.

Reagan and Indigo Gabriel, from Kennedy High School, will join the other nominees and travel to New York City to participate in the national program, a rigorous theatre intensive that includes coaching sessions, training, and rehearsals led by some of Broadway’s most accomplished professionals, culminating in an extraordinary, one-night-only talent showcase.

The Jimmys have been going on for 16 years and will be taking place on Monday June 23rd.

To qualify for the awards in Minnesota, a high school student must attend a Spotlight school, perform in a Jimmy Awards approved production, perform in a Jimmy Awards approved role, gain an outstanding rating from Spotlight, and be named 1 of 24 Triple Threats through Spotlight..

“Reagan and Indigo truly embody the bold spirit and unwavering dedication that define Spotlight Education,” said Todd Duesing, president and CEO of Hennepin Arts. “Their journey—from their school stages to leadership roles that uplift their peers and communities—showcase how arts in education ignite confidence, collaboration, and resilience.”

Tickets for the Minnesota Spotlight Showcase are now on sale for the general public, June 9th and 10th at State Theatre. You can check Hennepin Art’s website here for more information.

Last year Reagan Kern achieved Triple Threat status, but Denfeld did not put on a show approved by the Jimmy Awards.

Previous Jimmy Award winners include Broadway performers: Andrew Barth Feldman, Renee Rapp, Minnesotan Ryan McCarten, and others.

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