HOUSTON — Carver High School theater director Roshunda Jones has been recently inducted into the Texas Thespian Hall of Fame. It is an honor granted to educators who have dedicated years of service to promoting educational theater. The induction ceremony took place during the Texas Thespian Educator Conference, which was held in Houston.
“It’s a prestigious honor, and I’m truly humbled,” Jones said. “I’m grateful to be recognized by my peers, and I don’t take this honor lightly. It’s a testament that hard work and dedication pays off. These are values I try to instill in my students every day.”
Typically, this honor is bestowed to educators who have dedicated 20 years of service. Jones is in her 16th year of teaching. All of those years have been in Aldine ISD. She taught a year at Shotwell Middle School and has been at Carver High School for 15 years.
Jones’ students have won many UIL One-Act Play competitions. Many have also advanced to the International Thespian Society National Festival, and several have gone on to pursue careers in theater, including New York City’s theater scene.
Musicals produced by the Carver Theater Department include Cinderella, Dreamgirls, Sweet Charity, The Wiz, Little Shop of Horrors, The Color Purple, In The Heights, Memphis the Musical (a collaboration with Memorial HS, which the troupes performed at the 2014 Texas State Thespian Festival), Ghost, Hairspray (a collaboration with The Kinkaid School), Smokey Joe’s Cafe (performed at the nationals in 2016 and Texas Educational Theatre Association at the 2017 convention), Once on This Island, Jelly’s Last Jam, and Carmen Jones. These productions have garnered the program more than 77 Tommy Tune Award nominations.
This year is no different. The school’s production of Sister Act recently earned eight Tommy Tune Award nominations, including Best Musical and Leading Actress, bringing Carver’s total nominations to date to 85. (The winners will be announced on April 28, 2020.)
Since teaching at Carver HS, Jones has received several honors. The Texas Thespians awarded Jones with the Above and Beyond Award in 2016 and 2015, and in 2017, the Texas Educational Theatre Association named Jones the Secondary Theatre Educator of the Year. The award recognizes Jones’ outstanding accomplishments as a theater director and service. In 2019, Jones received the Arts Educator of the Year award from the TUTS Leading Ladies organization.
For Jones, the theater is a haven and a powerful medium for expression.
“Theater changes lives. It can change the world because theater is a reflection of life,” Jones said. “It’s a safe place where you can express yourself and not be judged. The theater is a place to bring people together to engage, entertain and enlighten.”
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October 16, 2023, HOUSTON, TX – Congressional Candidate Amanda Edwards has raised over $1 million in less than 4 months, a substantial sum that helps bolster the frontrunner status of the former At-Large Houston City Council Member in her bid for U.S. Congress. Edwards raised over $433,000 in Q3 of 2023. This strong Q3 report expands on a successful Q2 where Edwards announced just 11 days after declaring her candidacy that she had raised over $600,000. With over $829,000 in cash-on-hand at the end of the September 30th financial reporting period, Edwards proves again that she is the clear frontrunner in the race. “I am beyond grateful for the strong outpouring of support that will help me to win this race and serve the incredible people of the 18th Congressional District,” said Edwards. “We are at a critical juncture in our nation’s trajectory, and we need to send servant leaders to Congress who can deliver the results the community deserves. The strong support from our supporters will help us to cultivate an 18th Congressional District where everyone in it can thrive.” Edwards said. “Amanda understands the challenges that the hard-working folks of the 18th Congressional District face because she has never lost sight of who she is or where she comes from; she was born and raised right here in the 18th Congressional District of Houston,” said Kathryn McNiel, spokesperson for Edwards’ campaign. Edwards has been endorsed by Higher Heights PAC, Collective PAC, Krimson PAC, and the Brady PAC. She has also been supported by Beto O’Rourke, among many others. About Amanda: Amanda is a native Houstonian, attorney and former At-Large Houston City Council Member. Amanda is a graduate of Eisenhower High School in Aldine ISD. Edwards earned a B.A. from Emory University and a J.D. from Harvard Law School. Edwards practiced law at Vinson & Elkins LLP and Bracewell LLP before entering public service. Edwards is a life-long member of St. Monica Catholic Church in Acres Homes. For more information, please visit www.edwardsforhouston.com
As September 13th rolls around, we extend our warmest birthday wishes to the creative powerhouse, Tyler Perry, a man whose indomitable spirit and groundbreaking work have left an indelible mark on the world of entertainment. With his multifaceted talents as an actor, playwright, screenwriter, producer, and director, Tyler Perry has not only entertained but also inspired audiences worldwide, particularly within the African-American community, where his influence and role have been nothing short of powerful. Born in New Orleans, Louisiana, in 1969, Tyler Perry’s journey to stardom was a path riddled with adversity. Raised in a turbulent household, he found refuge in writing, using it as a therapeutic outlet. This period of introspection gave rise to one of his most iconic creations, Madea, a vivacious, no-nonsense grandmother who would later become a beloved figure in Perry’s works, offering a unique blend of humor and profound life lessons. Despite facing numerous challenges, including rejection and financial struggles, Perry’s determination and unwavering belief in his abilities propelled him forward. In 1992, he staged his first play, “I Know I’ve Been Changed,” which, although met with limited success, was a pivotal moment in his career. Unfazed by initial setbacks, Perry continued to hone his craft, and by 1998, he had successfully produced a string of stage plays that showcased his storytelling prowess.
Calling all teenage student-athletes! If you have dreams of playing college soccer and wish to represent an HBCU, the HBCU ID Camp is your golden opportunity. From 8 am to 5 pm on November 11-12, Houston Sports Park will transform into a hub for aspiring male and female soccer players. Coaches from HBCUs across the nation will be present to evaluate, scout, and offer valuable feedback. Moreover, they might even spot the next soccer prodigy to join their collegiate soccer programs. This camp is not just about honing your soccer skills but also a chance to connect with the HBCU soccer community. You’ll learn the ins and outs of what it takes to excel on the field and in the classroom, which is crucial for a college athlete. The HBCU ID Camp is an excellent platform to network with coaches, learn from experienced athletes, and take the first steps toward your college soccer journey. To secure your spot at this incredible event, don’t forget to register [here](insert registration link). Space is limited to 120 participants, so make sure to reserve your place before it’s too late. It’s time to turn your dreams of playing college soccer into a reality.
