McCracken County High School’s theatre program earned statewide recognition at the 2026 Kentucky Performing Arts (KPA) Bradley Awards, bringing home seven awards, including the evening’s highest honor, Best Overall Musical Production, for its performance of Oklahoma!.
The KPA Bradley Awards recognize excellence in high school musical theatre across Kentucky and Southern Indiana and serve as the regional awards program affiliated with the National High School Musical Theatre Awards, better known as the Jimmy Awards.
McCracken County High School received the following honors:
Outstanding Technical Execution
Outstanding Dance Execution
Best Actor in a Supporting Role – Emmett Rathgeber
Best Actress in a Supporting Role – Clara Pierce
Outstanding Ensemble Performance
Best Actor in a Leading Role – Jack Nelson
Best Overall Musical Production – Oklahoma!
In addition to helping lead McCracken County High School to seven Bradley Awards, senior Jack Nelson was named Best Actor in a Leading Role, making him the top high school musical theatre actor in Kentucky and Southern Indiana. As part of the honor, Nelson has earned an all-expenses-paid trip to New York City to represent the region at the prestigious Jimmy Awards, the nation’s premier high school musical theatre competition.
The Jimmy Awards will take place at the historic Minskoff Theatre, home of Disney’s The Lion King on Broadway, and will be streamed live on Monday, June 22.
“Winning seven Bradley Awards, including Best Overall Musical Production, is an incredible accomplishment for our students and staff,” said Principal Jonathan Smith. “These honors reflect the talent, dedication, and countless hours of work that went into bringing Oklahoma! to the stage. We are especially proud of Jack Nelson for earning the opportunity to represent Kentucky and Southern Indiana at the Jimmy Awards on the national stage.”
The seven Bradley Awards mark one of the most successful performances by a McCracken County High School production and further highlight the strength of the district’s fine arts programs.