JOHN GRIMMETT is the Head Director of the Yellowjacket Theatre Company and Lead Theatre Teacher (Alvin/Manvel) for Alvin ISD. He has helped the district receive national recognition as a Premier Community for Theatre Education by both Texas Thespians and the Educational Theatre Association, one of only three school districts in the state of Texas and twenty-five communities nationally to receive such an honor, as well as an Award of Distinction as an Exemplary District for theatre education by the Texas Educational Theatre Association. His students participate in the Texas Thespians State Festival, the International Thespians Festival, and the UIL One Act Play Competition as well as perform a varied and diverse season each school year. Prior to coming to Alvin ISD, Mr. Grimmett spent seven years in Pearland ISD where, with co-director Cody Edgar, his students were consistently successful at the Texas Thespians State Festival and the UIL One Act Play Competition, with a 6A State Finalist company in 2021 and a Regional finalist company in 2022 with his original play, MY FRIEND, THE OCTOPUS. In 2019-2020, Mr. Grimmett was recognized as a Region IV Teacher of the Year finalist, one of five teachers selected from over 99,000 teachers in the Region IV service area specifically for his work with theatre students. Additionally, he has been awarded the Green Apple Award from Texas Thespians and recognized by CEDFA as an Outstanding Educator for his work and impact on theatre education in Texas. Mr. Grimmett currently serves on the TxETA Board of Directors as Chair of the K-12 Committee and as a member of the Texas Thespians Advocacy Network, where he oversees the annual DemocracyWorks Essay Competition.