Congratulations to the TANYS 2024 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
Aniela Acampora
Aniela Acampora is a 2024 graduate of Wellsville Central High School in Wellsville, NY. She was nominated by TANYS member organization Wellsville Secondary School Theatre Arts.
Aniela participated in several school plays and musicals while at Wellsville. She first took the stage in seventh grade as a dolphin statue in Mary Poppins, and continued to roles including one of the stepsisters in Cinderella. In spring 2024, Aniela earned a TANYS Roving Adjudicator Merit Award, for Excellence in Performance for the portrayal of Charlie Bucket, in the Wellsville production of Willy Wonka. Aniela also performed in the Wellsville Area Vocal Ensemble (WAVE).
In recommending her for the scholarship, Aniela’s teacher and director noted that she “exemplifies superior leadership” and has grown into a role model and leader in Wellsville’s Drama Club. She has “an incredible passion and drive to do her best, whether she’s in the classroom or on the stage.”
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
“Theatre has shown me countless times the beautiful things that come from hard work and dedication,” wrote Aniela in her application essay. “It’s given me confidence, shown me a side of myself I never realized was there. I want to continue to grow that confidence, gain more experience. I want people to hear my passion dripping from every word of my performance… I want to inspire others, the same way I am when I get to see a show.”
Aniela will be attending SUNY Oneonta starting in fall 2024, majoring in Theatre.
Congratulations, Aniela! TANYS wishes you much success!
