Hall of Fame
The Summer Scholars On Stage Hall of Fame honors individuals whose creativity, leadership, and dedication have shaped the spirit and legacy of the program. Inductees are recognized for their contributions—whether through artistic achievement, mentorship, service, or ongoing support of our students and productions.
Class of 2025
Dr. Deb Wells
Inducted 2025
Dr. Deb Wells is a Mississippi licensed professional counselor with a supervision credential. As president of the Mississippi Licensed Professional Counselor Association, she was instrumental in developing supervision training.
For 13 years she maintained a private counseling practice in Columbus while also serving as an instructor in the Department of Counseling Education at Mississippi State University. She currently directs the Mississippi University for Women Counseling Center and plans to retire in 2025, though she will continue counseling and supervision.
Deb has been an important part of Summer Scholars for over 40 years, serving as Girls' Counselor and later Head Counselor. She has sponsored numerous campers financially and is remembered for her compassion and dedication to the early years of Summer Scholars.
Class of 2024
T. K. (Kris) Lee
Inducted 2024
Camper 1991–1995 | Production Director 2008–2011, 2013–2024.
Kris Lee’s creativity and steady leadership have guided generations of Summer Scholars through the rehearsal process and onto the stage.
“It was a night just like this... when a shy, young boy by the name of Kris Lee took his first brave step onto the OnStage! stage. It was the start of a lifelong romance not only with the camp but with the world of theatre. It’s a romance that continues to this day.”
— Kris Lee (Camper 1991–1995; Production Director 2008–2011; 2013–2024)
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In his life beyond camp, Kris (also known professionally as T. K. Lee) has built an extraordinary career as a playwright, poet, professor, and director. His work spans theatre and literature, with award-winning plays such as On How To Accommodate Marlo’s Frying Pan, Syndication, and Paper Thin.
He is the author of the acclaimed poetry collections To Square a Circle and Scapegoat, and has been recognized as a Eudora Welty Fellow, Tennessee Williams Scholar, and MAC Literary Artist Fellow. Today he teaches in two nationally ranked MFA programs at the Mississippi University for Women in Columbus.
Kris credits OnStage! for igniting his lifelong passion for the arts and for inspiring him to bring stories to life — lessons that continue to shape his creative journey and those he mentors.
Class of 2023
The Rutherford Family
Inducted 2023
This year’s Summer Scholars On Stage Hall of Fame honorees are four members of the Rutherford family: Joel Sr., Debbie, Kati, and Kelly. The Rutherford family’s association with On Stage first began in 1981 when Joel and Debbie, who lived in Tupelo, enrolled their son Joel Jr. in a summer program for the gifted at Mississippi State. Their daughter Kati became a camper in 1984.
During these early years, Joel and Debbie would help with the production, set strike, and umpiring the annual softball game. As Joel Jr. and Kati moved into staff roles, the Rutherford family became financial contributors, either through camper scholarships, awards presentations, or one-of-a-kind items like the quilt on display in the lobby that Debbie had made to honor the first 25 years of On Stage.
Kati has served in a variety of staff roles over the years, including Head Counselor. Kelly married Joel Jr. in 2004, and along with Kati, has made generous financial contributions and has worked in the lobby during the production organizing DVD sales and Patron sponsorships for Joe Ray.
Their contributions to On Stage continue to this day, and for this, we honor the entire Rutherford family.
Class of 2022
Leach Wright
Inducted 2022
Our 2022 Inductee into the MSU Summer Scholars On Stage Hall of Fame is Leah Wright. Leah is currently a preschool teacher, and lives in Birmingham, Alabama, with her husband, Jonathan Wright, as well as her beloved dogs and cat. Leah first attended On Stage as a camper in 2004. For the next two years, she was selected by On Stage staff and fellow campers to serve as a Junior Counselor. Beginning in 2007, she served as a Girl’s Counselor, a Lead Writer during Writer’s Camp, and a Music Assistant during Production Camp. She was selected to be our Head Counselor (and “Camp Mom”) in 2012 and has continued in this role since then. Last year, she additionally began serving as our Program Director. This weekend, we honor Leah for all her contributions to On Stage and all the campers she has helped over the years. When asked why she continues to come back to On Stage, Leah states: “Camp changed my life, and I return year after year because I want to make sure that current and future campers have the same life-changing opportunities I experienced while a camper.”
Class of 2018
Elizabeth Hood Blinn
Inducted 2018
Elizabeth Hood Blinn, our 2018 inductee into the Hall of Fame, attended Summer Scholars On Stage as a camper for six years (1987-92). From 1993-94, she was a writing and drama assistant who helped campers express themselves creatively and enthusiastically. Affectionately known as "lizard," Liz enjoyed singing, playing the violin, acting, and dancing with the Summer Scholars productions. Many former campers will remember Liz's endorsement of The Time Warp from the Rocky Horror Picture Show as the finale during Liz's last year as a camper. After graduation from Starkville High School, Liz attended Georgetown University and majored in Russian with a minor in English. While at Georgetown, she was concert master of the Georgetown symphony. Throughout her lifetime, Liz remained committed to her love of music, theatre, art, and the written and spoken word. She continued to actively participate in the arts both in Washington, D.C., and New York City.
Class of 2017
Anne Gaddis-Cross
Inducted 2017
Anne Gaddis- Cross, our 2017 inductee into the Summer Scholars On Stage Hall of Fame, is a native of Ripley and a retired English professor and Director of Foreign Study at Northeast Mississippi Community College. Former Board President of the Ripley Arts Council and 2016 Volunteer of the Year, she has directed and acted in many productions, her latest being the role of Bloody Mary in South Pacific. Her lifelong love of drama and of working with students of all ages led her to volunteer, and camp has become a part of her life for the past sixteen years. As Joe Ray's assistant, office manager, historian, and archivist, her job description is too lengthy to mention. Her children, both MSU graduates, were also drawn in, with her son Britt taking Dur's summer workshop and her daughter Caitlin serving as a dance assistant for Deb. They continue to support the program financially. Anne is humbled by her selection and the strong friendships that have continued over the years. She says that the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, in their song "Partners, Brothers, and Friends," may just have said it best: "It's great to be a part of something so good that's lasted so long."
Class of 2016
Sean A. Richmond
Inducted 2016
Boy’s Counselor 1991–1996; Associate Director 1997–2024. Known as one of “Our Camp Dads,” Sean’s leadership and care shaped the experience of generations of campers.
Joel D. Rutherford, Jr.
Inducted 2016
Camper 1981–1984; Boy’s Counselor 1987–1989; Associate Director 1991–2004. Also one of “Our Camp Dads,” Joel’s consistent presence and support helped define the camp’s culture of care and creativity.
Class of 2015
Joe Evans
Inducted 2015
Music and Drama Instructor, Boys Counselor, Camper. Celebrated as “The King of Bling,” Joe Evans brought energy, humor, and musical excellence to the stage and rehearsal room.
Class of 2014
Kelvin Chen and James Crowell
Inducted 2014
Contributors (2011–). They “set up and administered the Stage Camp’s online ticketing website,” modernizing how audiences connect with Summer Scholars performances.
The Family of Lorena J. “Rockie” Smith
Inducted 2014
Contributors (1983–). Honored “in memory of her years ‘On Stage,’” the family of Lorena J. “Rockie” Smith is recognized for their enduring support and connection to the camp.
Class of 2011
Jonathan and Linda Pote
Inducted 2011
Contributors (1983–). Honored “in memory of their daughter Hannah Pote,” Jonathan and Linda’s generosity and support have provided opportunities for many Summer Scholars.
Class of 2010
Dominic J. Cunetto
Inducted 2010
Presenter 1983–1984. Remembered as “Our first Director,” Dominic helped set the tone for the Summer Scholars experience in its earliest years.
Bettie L. Rector
Inducted 2010
Head Counselor 1982–1986. Known as “Our first Mom,” Bettie cared for campers and staff with warmth, guidance, and a steady presence.
Keith and Ruth Remy
Inducted 2010
Contributors (1993–). Honored “in memory of their son David Remy,” Keith and Ruth’s support has helped sustain the camp community.
Class of 2009
Deb Funderburk
Inducted 2009
Dance Instructor / Choreographer, 1993–. “Taught us ‘kick ball change for Jesus.’ Showed us we could dance for a lifetime.”
Shirley Taylor
Inducted 2009
Music Instructor 1983–1990, 2000–2002. “Set our dreams to music. Made us feel like stars.”
Wayne Durst
Inducted 2009
Stagecraft Instructor / Set Designer 1983–1984, 1985–. “He built more than our sets. He built our imaginations.”
Class of 2008
Paula Mabry
Inducted 2008
Presenter 1982–1999, 2001, 2003–2007. “Nurtured both the production and campers into what they are today.”
Class of 2007
Joe Ray Underwood
Inducted 2007
Camp Director 1982–. “His dream, his master plan, his legacy.” Joe Ray’s vision and leadership created the foundation on which Summer Scholars On Stage continues to grow.