Kennedy High School senior Indigo Gabriel has made history as a finalist at the National High School Musical Theatre Awards, widely known as the Jimmy Awards. Gabriel is one of only two students from Minnesota, and among just 110 students nationwide, selected to perform in this prestigious competition. Gabriel becomes the first Bloomington student ever to represent Bloomington Public Schools on the national stage.

Gabriel performed at Broadway’s Minskoff Theatre in New York City last month in the opening, featured medley, and closing numbers. Students rehearsed for more than a week, learning from accomplished Broadway professionals. 

“It was such a cool experience and so fun to be in those numbers and share the stage with the most talented high schoolers in the country,” said Gabriel.

The Jimmy Awards are administered by the Broadway League Foundation to elevate the importance of theatre arts education in schools. The awards are named for Broadway producer James M. Nederlander.

Gabriel says they got into musical theatre because of their mother, Nikki Goulet Jordan, who is also Kennedy's choir director. 

"They have been in this auditorium since, literally, they were six months old. I remember directing Wizard of Oz and GoGo sitting in the aisle in a car seat through all the rehearsals," said Jordan, pointing to that very spot in the Kennedy auditorium.

"I would do musicals when there were little kid roles that needed to be filled. I was really excited when I got to middle school because I was able to start auditioning for shows. I've kept doing it in high school. I've been blessed with the shows we've done because they're so much fun," said Gabriel. 

Gabriel's achievements in musical theatre and performance at the Jimmy Awards is a clear example of how BPS empowers students to Dream, Believe and Achieve.

"I've grown up feeling like I'm going to do it. I want to be on Broadway. I want to perform," said Gabriel.

"GoGo dreamed and watched. Believed they could do it because it was reinforced by all the kids around them. Then we got to watch them achieve it and be on a Broadway stage," said Jordan. 

Gabriel is currently preparing for the district’s summer musical production of “Anastasia,” playing July 24-27 at Kennedy High School. Gabriel is set to take the stage again with plans to continue performing in musicals in their senior year.