SILER CITY, N.C. — Twenty actors, dancers, musicians and visual artists were honored for their outstanding work by JMArts on May 21 at the school’s 2026 Spring Showcase, an annual event featuring an art exhibition with performances to celebrate the end of a successful arts season.
Outstanding Graduate Awards
Daphne Soria Mora was named the 2026 Outstanding Graduate in Band. Director Aaron Partin said Soria Mora made an impact in a very short time. “Although Daphne has only been a member of the band for one year, she has demonstrated tremendous dedication to every aspect of the program,” he said. “It has been an honor to watch her grow both as a musician and as a person during her time with us.” Soria Mora plans to move to Wilmington and attend the local community college.
Markel McSwain was named the 2026 Outstanding Graduate in Dance. Teacher Hannah Marr said McSwain has shown an extreme dedication to the art. “He has a clear passion for movement as both a dancer and a choreographer,” she said. “His bright energy fills the room, and he is always ready to take on whatever challenges come his way.” McSwain currently plans to attend Central Carolina Community College before transferring to The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill to study political science.
Nick Ortega was named the 2026 Outstanding Graduate in Jazz. Band director Aaron Partin said Ortega also helped shape the music program in a short tenure. “Nick came into the band program this year unexpectedly, but from the very beginning he showed incredible dedication,” he said. “Nick was always the first to ask questions, eager to learn more and constantly striving to improve as a musician.” Ortega currently plans to attend Central Carolina Community College beginning this fall for two years before transferring to the University of North Carolina at Greensboro.
Hunter Scott, a JMArts Scholar, was named the 2026 Outstanding Graduate in Theater. Teacher Mikala Richardson said Scott is a talented, hard working and dedicated student in the arts. “He puts his all into every role that he plays,” she said. “He is a great motivator for his peers. It has been amazing to see his growth from not being in theater at all to winning an outstanding actor award at a regional theater competition.” Scott plans to attend Central Carolina Community College this fall.
Perla Garcia Palacios was named the 2026 Outstanding Graduate in Visual Art. Teacher Laura Newman said Garcia Palacios is particularly focused as an artist. “She always has an idea in her head of what she plans to create,” she said. "With pottery you usually have several projects going on, but they are all at different stages and meticulous as Perla is, she never skips a beat. I am so pleased that she has been able to take art with me.” Garcia Perlos plans to enroll this fall in Central Carolina Community College.
Felix Banks, a JMArts Scholar, was named the 2026 Outstanding Graduate in Vocal Music. Teacher Allison Blaylock said everyone looks up to Banks as a role model in vocal music. “Over the past three years, I have had the joy of seeing Felix grow into a leader in my classroom,” she said "They are fully committed to excellence in vocal music while always maintaining a joyful and positive attitude.” Banks is taking a gap year after graduation and then plans to attend the University of North Carolina at Greensboro.
Young Artist Honorees
Other annual awards recognized outstanding students early in their high school studies who have already demonstrated significant artistic potential.
Vanessa Sifuentes received the 2026 Young Actor Award for her stage skills, poise and focus in “Sister Act.”
Aiden Hughes received the 2026 Young Artist Award for his dedication to drawing and creative knowledge of portraying the human figure in action.
Madelyn Smith received the 2026 Young Dancer Award for her leadership, technical abilities and work ethic.
Jhonatan Aguiluz-Saldana received the 2026 Young Instrumentalist Award for his rapid development as a musician, hard work and positive attitude.
Daniel Carter received the 2026 Young Vocalist Award for always giving full effort and showing dramatic improvement over the spring semester.
Other Annual Award Recipients
Also honored during the ceremony were seven previously announced JMArts Scholars, each one earning a scholarship for intensive arts study over the summer — most at a weeklong, residential workshop offered on a university campus.
They are Jobanny Benitez Espinoza, Dennis Chicas Garcia, Titiana Escobar, Delaney Fuquay, Angel Johnson, Ismael Martinez and Carlos Salazar.
Two JMArts annual award recipients were honored in separate ceremonies earlier this year.
They are Gisele Lopez Hernandez, who received the 2025-26 Kaitlin James Theater Award before the closing performance of “Sister Act,” and Maiquel Claudio Flores, who received the 2025 Holiday Card Award last fall for having her work selected for JMArts’ annual holiday card.
More information about JMArts — including details about awards, JMArts Scholars and upcoming events — is available at jmarts.org.
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