The Johnny Joe Trillayes Memorial Scholarship

It is with heavy hearts and deep sorrow that we share the passing of the Johnny Trillayes. Johnny passed on January 7, 2024, after a valiant fight with cancer.

Johnny is known for his immense talent, incomparable humor, and brilliant creative mind. Johnny undoubtedly touched the lives of many as a loving family member, an irreplaceable friend, actor, director, and teacher.

As a 2012 graduate of St. Edward’s University in Theatre, Johnny was an ardent advocate for elevating the standard of theater in South Texas schools. In his role as a high school director, he not only made multiple impressive appearances at the UIL State Competition but also clinched the prestigious 2021 5A State Championship. Collaborating with his co-directors at Pharr-San Juan-Alamo Southwest Early College High School, Johnny led PSJA ECHS to secure two consecutive UIL 5A Theatre Team State Championships, marking a historic milestone as the first time in PSJA ISD history that a school triumphed with a state title in a one-act play. Johnny's dedication to pushing boundaries in the theatrical realm left an indelible mark on both his students and the broader artistic community.

In lieu of flowers, I will be endowing The Johnny Joe Trillayes Scholarship Foundation, which will give access and financial aid to aspiring theatre artists from diverse backgrounds. Your support in helping Johnny fulfill his life's legacy for generations to come is appreciated.