Congratulations to the TANYS 2025 Ruth R. Legg Memorial Scholarship recipient!
Previous Ruth R. Legg Memorial Scholarship recipients
2019 recipient
Kristin Greve
High school
Sacred Heart Academy
Nominated by
Sacred Heart Academy
2018 recipient
Tioga Simpson
High school
Archbishop Walsh Academy
Nominated by
Olean Community Theatre
2017 recipient
Kaeli Heffner
High school
Shenendehowa High School
Nominated by
Schenectady Light Opera Company
2016 recipient
Ethan Coniglio
High school
Kenmore East High School
Nominated by
Towne Players of Kenmore-Tonawanda
2014 recipient
Alex Calvo
High school
Lyons Central School
Nominated by
Geneva Theatre Guild
2022 recipient
Fiona Chisholm
High school
Auburn High School
Nominated by
Auburn Players Community Theatre
Maddie Muurisepp
Madelyn Muurisepp is a 2025 graduate of Wellsville Central High School in Wellsville, NY. She was nominated by TANYS member organization Wellsville Secondary School Theatre Arts.
As a freshman at Wellsville, Maddie played Lady Bird #1 in A Year with Frog & Toad. She progressed to lead roles in Alice in Wonderland, Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, Witness for the Prosecution and Legally Blonde. She was inducted into the Tri-M Music Honors Society as a senior.
"She was always prepared for each audition, rehearsal and performance, always asked how she can improve the role she was given," said her director and teacher.
2023 recipient
Caitlyn Hampe
High school
Rome Free Academy
Nominated by
Rome Community Theatre
2023 recipient
Ivy Kos
High school
Niskayuna High School
Nominated by
Confetti Stage and Classic Theater Guild
In addition to her school productions, Maddie has been an actor in the Wellsville Development Corporation's (WDC) Kids Mystery Theater events to raise money for the WDC.
Maddie was a member of Wellsville's varsity indoor and outdoor track and field teams, President of the Wellsville Area Vocal Ensemble (WAVE), Secretary of the Class of 2025, Treasurer of Wellsville's Theatre Department and a journalist for Wellsville Secondary School's yearbook.
"The first words that come to my mind when I think of Madelyn are kind, caring and generous," said her director and teacher. "True kindness can be an incredibly difficult quality to find in human beings, but Madelyn possesses this humbling trait." In the face of difficulty, "Madelyn showed such a mature level of resilience."
"For the past four years, nothing has given me greater happiness than to share the stage with my friends and give my passion, talent, and love to my audiences," said Maddie in her application essay. Theatre is "a magical experience that’s almost indescribable unless you’ve done it... I just can’t wait to grow in my abilities and show the world just how incredible theatre can be for everyone."
Maddie will be attending Nazareth University in Rochester starting in fall 2025, majoring in Acting for the Stage and Screen.
Congratulations, Maddie! TANYS wishes you much success!
2024 recipient
Aniela Acampora
High school
Wellsville Central High School
Nominated by
Wellsville Secondary School Theatre Arts
