Ava Espinoza (she/her) is a senior at LACHSA in the Theatre Department. Her love of Shakespeare began with the discovery of a Romeo & Juliet graphic novel way back in third grade! Ava is also an avid performer and singer-songwriter. She plans to study musical theatre in college. Avaespinoza.com 

Hadley Gannaway is a junior at Chaminade College Preparatory and is grateful to be among this year’s winners. She began her acting career as the voice of Young Anna in Disney’s Frozen II and has voiced numerous animated characters. Hadley wants to thank her family for supporting her. 

Ny’kell Hightower is a 17-year-old senior at View Park High School. In his spare time, he enjoys writing, reading, and listening to music. He also enjoys acting, because it allows him to showcase his creativity. 

Josh Ighodaro is thrilled to be on the ANW stage! A senior at Canyon High School, Josh’s upcoming roles include Duke Orsino in Twelfth Night and the title role in Sondheim’s Sweeney Todd. Previous roles have included John Proctor (The Crucible) and Dipper (Rocky: The Musical). Josh would like to thank his teacher, friends, and family for their support. 

Zoe Liu is a junior at The Webb Schools and has been a very active member of the theater program at her school, immersing herself in creative expression through performing on stage starting from the age of nine. She is so excited and thankful for this opportunity and is immensely grateful for the support from her theater director, Ms. Plumley, as well as her friends and family. 

Daisy Luke is an 11th grader at North Hollywood High School: Highly Gifted Magnet where she plays varsity soccer and track. She loves reading, sewing, visual arts, and theater. Daisy attended the summer theater program at Interlochen (2024) and the Shakespeare intensive “Midsummer Program” at the British Academy of Dramatic Arts (2025). 

Layla Raleigh is a senior at Westridge School and is so grateful for this opportunity. Some of her favorite roles include Katherine Plumber in Newsies, Ilse Neumann in Spring Awakening, and The Witch in Into The Woods. She wants to thank everyone who has supported her on and off stage! 

Amira Shamsi, a sophomore at Polytechnic School, has been passionate about performing her entire life. Her recent credits from Poly and Theatre 360 include Marian (The Music Man), Olive (…Spelling Bee), Donna (Mamma Mia!), and Cinderella (Into the Woods). She is currently co-directing and producing her original play Unsex Me at Lineage Performing Arts Center. 

Anecia Spann is an acting student at LACHSA who’s been performing since she was nine. She loves bringing characters to life and sharing stories that connect with people. 

Angel Villamizar is a Venezuelan actor focused on giving voice to underrepresented stories. He recently starred as Isaac in the LACDMH upcoming commercial ‘Cope Safely’ and was selected for The Unusual Suspects Theatre Company’s groundbreaking hip-hop theatre play Live from LA inspired by the current political climate. Honored for being a ANW Finalist!