Milton High School's Jake James beat out 115 other nominees from across the country to win the Jimmy Award for Best Performance by an Actor. James took home a $25,000 scholarship after performing on Broadway's Minskoff Theatre stage on June 22.

The Jimmy Awards, officially known as the National High School Musical Theatre Awards, are the top honor in high school musical theater. James is only the third Georgia student to win since the ceremony launched in 2009, according to Fulton County Schools. All three Georgia winners have come from Fulton County high schools.

James earned his spot at the national competition by winning a Shuler Hensley Award for his portrayal of Jacob in Water for Elephants at the Georgia Musical Theatre Awards. At the Minskoff Theatre, he performed "It's Hard to Speak My Heart" from Parade as his solo number before a panel of industry judges that included Broadway producer Marc Platt and casting director Bernard Telsey.

Saturday Night Live and Wicked film star Bowen Yang hosted the 17th annual ceremony, where 116 nominees from 58 regions competed.

"What makes Jake truly special is that he does not just tell a story, he makes you believe it," said Lynda Ankiel, Milton High School's theatre director. "In addition to his incredible talent, he has a tremendous work ethic. Day in and day out, Jake puts in the effort that most people never see."

Matt Koperniak, Fulton County Schools' coordinator of performing arts, said James's achievement reflects the dedication of the district's theater directors and the importance of continued support for arts programs.

James told Broadway.com that the best part of his time in New York was watching the other nominees perform on stage.

The other 2026 winner was Samia Posadas of Tucson, Arizona, who also received a $25,000 scholarship. Finalists included Langston Casey, Emersyn Hunt, London Mays, Amaya Washington, Jackson Wright, and Josef Wright.

James is the second Milton High student to win a Jimmy Award, joining a Tri-Cities High School performer among the three Georgia recipients in the award's 17-year history.