Recent Alma High School graduate Cali Ferguson achieved an incredible milestone this summer after earning the title of Best Actress at the 2026 Diamond Awards and receiving the opportunity to represent Northwest Arkansas at The Jimmy Awards in New York City.
The Jimmy Awards brought together talented student performers from across the country for an unforgettable 12-day experience filled with professional training, rehearsals, performances, and opportunities to learn from some of Broadway’s most accomplished artists. Cali and fellow nominees stayed in the Juilliard dorms, with rehearsals taking place at Juilliard from approximately 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day.
“Days were usually very long and busy, but surprisingly not tiring,” Cali shared. “I had the opportunity to work with many Broadway professionals, such as Charlotte d’Amboise, and I was coached by Steven Telsey, who is currently on the National Broadway tour of Spamalot.”
Throughout the experience, Cali participated in master classes, received guidance from Broadway performers, and gained valuable insight into the world of professional theater. Special highlights included attending the Broadway production of MJ, sharing a meal with members of the cast, visiting Times Square to see the Jimmy Nominees featured on a billboard, and exploring New York City on a double-decker bus tour.
Cali also had the opportunity to hear from Broadway stars, including Aaron Tveit and Eva Noblezada, who shared advice and encouragement with the nominees as they continued to grow as performers.
The experience culminated with a performance on the Minskoff Theatre stage - an actual Broadway stage - where Cali and the other nominees presented their showcase after only one day of rehearsal in the space.
“Performing on an actual Broadway stage was the most exhilarating time I’ve ever performed, and just knowing that Broadway stars had been where I was standing blew my mind,” Cali said.
Cali described the entire experience as “truly one of a kind and life changing,” adding, “I’m so grateful that I got this opportunity and will forever remember it!”
Alma School District is proud to celebrate Cali’s outstanding achievement and her dedication, talent, and passion for the performing arts. Her accomplishment is a wonderful representation of the excellence and opportunities found within the Airedale family.