High school students competing at the 2009 National High School Musical Theater Awards have a new incentive to excel: The Department of Drama at NYU Tisch School of the Arts will provide the opportunity for four-year scholarship assistance to the winners and finalists of the first Jimmy Awards for Best Performance by an Actress and Best Performance by an Actor.

Kian McCollum of Chartiers Valley and Elizabeth Bailey of Pittsburgh CAPA, winners of best actor and actress at the recent Gene Kelly Awards, will be the local representatives at the inaugural Jimmys, set for June 29 at New York University's Skirball Center for the Performing Arts. Two national winners will be selected from among 32 regional winners after five days of working with theater pros. (Scholarship recommendations will be made by the Tisch School faculty, and all recommended students must meet the school's admission criteria.)

The NHS Musical Theater Awards celebrate outstanding achievement and artistry in vocal, dance and acting performance by high school students. For more information, visit www.nhsmta.com.