Stephen Cunetto retired in 2024 after working for the MSU Libraries for 33.5 years, serving in several positions including Associate Dean. He has served as President and later Executive Director of the Mississippi Theatre Association for 13 years.

Stephen is a long-time member of the Starkville Community Theatre, where he has served on the Board and as President. He also served as President of the Starkville Area Arts Council.

Joe Ray founded Summer Scholars in 1978 and served as camp director from its inception. He is a retired professor from Mississippi State University, where he previously acted as the coordinator for the school counseling program.

Joe Ray coordinates theatre and music programs for children with the help of the MSU Symphony Association and is an avid musician specializing in guitar, musical arrangements, and vocal compositions.

Leah Wright has been working at Summer Scholars since 2005. She has served in a variety of roles at camp and found her niche in counseling, leading her to earn a master’s in clinical counseling from Mississippi State University.

Leah works hard to ensure that parents and campers feel safe and comfortable throughout camp. She currently lives in Hoover, Alabama, with her husband and two furry children.

Lauren Gerhart is the Summer Scholars Director of Operations. She has a bachelor’s degree in Sociology and a master’s degree in Higher Education and Student Personnel from The University of Mississippi.

Lauren serves as an Academic Advisement Coordinator in The University of Southern Mississippi’s School of Music. She began as a camper in 2009 and has been on staff since 2013, and is happy to help provide the On Stage experience to current campers.

Liz Jones is a returning staff member who serves as Girls Counselor and Programming Assistant. She first attended Summer Scholars in 2013 and has been involved for more than a decade in roles including Junior Counselor, Senior Intern, Staff Assistant, Dance Assistant, and Music Assistant.

Liz’s favorite part of Summer Scholars On Stage is camp bonding night. During the school year, she lives in Memphis, Tennessee, and works as an ELA Teacher and Reading Interventionist at Southaven High School.

Suehyla El-Attar Young is an award-winning actor, writer, director, and voice-over artist based in Atlanta, originally from Starkville, Mississippi. A first-generation Egyptian American, she has built a distinguished career in theatre, film, and television, appearing in projects such as The Walking Dead, I, Tonya, The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks, and The Resident.

In addition to her acting work, Suehyla is an accomplished playwright whose works have been produced across the Southeast, and she has received multiple Suzi Bass Awards for her contributions to Georgia’s theatre community. As an educator and mentor, she is passionate about guiding young artists in developing their craft and confidence both on and off the stage.

Kenzie Claire Burchfield is returning for her third year as Director of Music at Summer Scholars On Stage. She has a B.M.E. from Mississippi State University and is pursuing an M.M. in Vocal Performance at Samford University.

Kenzie attended camp for three years as a high school student and loved her experience. She hopes to provide an environment as loving and supportive as the one she experienced as a camper.

From Gulfport, Mississippi, Ryan Bergman is returning for his third year at Summer Scholars. He graduated from Mississippi State in 2025 with a major in Communications – Theatre and a minor in Business Administration.

Ryan has written and produced three albums and has appeared in numerous productions in Starkville. He is now attending the University of Alabama’s MFA acting program.

Louis Codling has been involved in education and theatre his entire life. He is the first Theatre Education graduate from the state of Mississippi, earning his degree from the Mississippi University for Women in 2018, with additional endorsements in English and Acting.

Louis started with Summer Scholars On Stage as a teen in the production camp and has since worked as a writer, acting coach, and director. He is the director of the Lafayette Theatre Department in Oxford, Mississippi, teaching theatre to grades 7–12.

Patrick McFadyen oversees the bustling technical world behind the scenes at Summer Scholars. He has assisted with all aspects of backstage work in his years as a camper and technical instructor, including set construction and lighting design.

Patrick served as Shop Foreman in McComas Hall for four years and has been responsible for lighting control during more than 20 stage productions.

Zak Mayo was a camper from 2008–2010 and has served on staff in various roles for over a decade. He has worked on stage construction, backstage crew, and in the sound booth, supporting the technical side of the theatre camp.

Zak is currently attending Arizona State University, pursuing a degree in Mass Communications and Media Studies. Locally, he works for MSU Dining Services and as a DJ and light tech for local venues, as well as an Uber driver.

Erin Harrison first attended camp in 2015, and this is her 10th summer at Summer Scholars. She graduated from Columbia University in May 2025 with a double major in English and Creative Writing and is pursuing an MFA in Poetry at Columbia’s School of the Arts.

Erin grew up in Ripley and Tupelo, Mississippi, and now lives in New York City, where she works as a cheerleading and dance coach for children ages 2–14.

Dezmond Williams is the 2026 Senior Intern and has been part of Summer Scholars for four years. He was selected as Mr. SHS in 2025. He is a friendly point of contact for campers with questions or concerns.

Myrto Sergi serves as a Junior Counselor, supporting campers and helping foster a welcoming, fun, and safe camp environment.