The Majestic Empire Foundation is pleased to announce that Mattie Elizondo-Myers and Nicolas Rodriguez have been selected as the winners of the 2016 Linda G. Tillery/AT&T Essay Award for their essays on the importance of the performing arts. Mattie and Nicolas will each be presented with $1,500 scholarships at the 2016 Joci Awards.

These scholarships are named in honor of The Majestic Empire Foundation board member Linda G. Tillery and AT&T for their contributions and dedication to The Majestic Empire Foundation and the performing arts. Special thank you to Caroline G. Funari for her generous donation to this scholarship fund.

The Joci Awards is open to the public and will take place on Sunday, May 1 beginning at 7 p.m. at the Charline McCombs Empire Theatre. Tickets start at $10 and are on sale now. Tickets may be purchased online here, by calling Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000, or in person at the Majestic Theatre Box Office, located at 226 E. Houston St. Ticket sales benefit The Majestic Empire Foundation’s scholarship and educational programs.