Idaho Falls, Idaho — Southeast Idaho high school theatre students claimed some of the biggest honors at this year’s Patty Duke Awards, with two students earning the right to represent Idaho at the Jimmy Awards in New York City this summer — a competition widely regarded as the Tony Awards of high school theatre.
The 5th Annual Patty Duke Awards recognized outstanding student performers, educators, and school communities from across Idaho. The ceremony highlighted the depth of talent in East Idaho, with Thunder Ridge High School and Highland High School in Pocatello both walking away with major distinctions.
Thunder Ridge Junior Named Best Actor in Idaho
Thunder Ridge High School dominated several award categories, taking home honors for Best Production, Best Stage Management, Best Sound Design, and Best Ensemble, along with recognition for both lead and supporting performers.
The evening’s standout moment came when Thunder Ridge junior Benjamin Strock was named Best Actor in Idaho, earning him a spot at the Jimmy Awards — formally known as the National High School Musical Theatre Awards — at the iconic Minskoff Theatre on Broadway in June.
“I was flabbergasted!” Strock said. “I have been dreaming of going to the Jimmy Awards since I first watched them in 8th grade. This is also going to be my first time going to New York City, which I’m extremely grateful for.”
Strock will perform alongside 115 talented high school students from across the country in a one-night showcase following an intensive week of coaching and rehearsals led by Broadway professionals. The competition offers a $25,000 grand prize and provides student performers with professional connections in the theatre industry. Strock also received a $2,000 scholarship to Boise State University, applicable to any field of study.
Thunder Ridge drama teacher Jorden Cammack described the recognition as both humbling and affirming. “It was a little mind-blowing and breathtaking, and at the same time so rewarding,” Cammack said. “There are so many talented kids here and so much of a desire for the arts.”
Cammack added that the experience has motivated the program to return to the Patty Dukes in future years.
Highland High School Celebrates Historic Firsts
Highland High School in Pocatello also had a remarkable night. Student Dru Brower earned the title of Best Actress in Idaho and will join Strock in New York City for the Jimmy Awards in June. Brower received the same $2,000 Boise State University scholarship awarded to Strock.
In addition, Highland student Milee Dayley made history at the ceremony by becoming the first-ever recipient of the newly created Outstanding Dancer Award — a brand-new honor introduced this year by the Patty Duke Awards. Dayley also received a $1,000 scholarship to Boise State University.
The Jimmy Awards program has grown into one of the country’s premier celebrations of high school musical theatre, with 58 regional competitions now reaching more than 180,000 students across 2,600 schools nationwide. Each year, top nominees travel to New York City for the intensive program before performing in a nationally recognized showcase.
Idaho audiences will have the opportunity to watch Strock and Brower compete when the Jimmy Awards livestream airs on June 22.
The success of Southeast Idaho students at this year’s Patty Duke Awards reflects the continued growth of performing arts programs across the region. As school choice and education funding debates continue to shape Idaho’s policy landscape, programs like high school theatre demonstrate the broad range of student achievement supported by local school communities. The Bonneville Joint School District and surrounding districts have increasingly invested in fine arts alongside academics and athletics.
For families and students keeping an eye on East Idaho school news, a recent incident involving a school bus near Idaho Falls serves as a reminder of the safety considerations that accompany all student travel, including trips to regional and national competitions.
What Comes Next
Benjamin Strock and Dru Brower will travel to New York City in June to participate in the Jimmy Awards theatre-intensive program, which includes professional coaching and rehearsals before the June 22 performance and competition at the Minskoff Theatre on Broadway. A full list of Patty Duke Award recipients from the weekend ceremony is available through the awards program. Both students’ Boise State University scholarships can be applied to any area of study.