Lighthouse Children’s Theatre announces recipients of inaugural Ken Watkins Memorial Scholarship
Published 10:30 am Wednesday, October 21, 2026
EL DORADO SPRINGS — Lighthouse Children’s Theatre (LCT) has announced Crayton Lynn Thorell and Emersyn Compton as the recipients of its inaugural Ken Watkins Memorial Scholarship.
Named in honor of the late Ken Watkins, a lifelong El Dorado Springs resident, dedicated family man and legendary local athlete whose family has deep ties to the theater community, the scholarship awards $250 to deserving students pursuing post-high school education.
Celebrating dedicated youth leaders
Both scholarship recipients have demonstrated exceptional commitment to the theater program across multiple productions, meeting the scholarship’s requirements for academic achievement and community involvement.
Crayton Lynn Thorell, a freshman at Cottey College with a 3.5 cumulative GPA, is pursuing a degree in secondary education with an emphasis in social studies and political science.
Crayton’s LCT stage history includes roles such as Ursula in “The Little Mermaid” (2023), Gladys Gutzman in “Junie B. Jones” (2024), Uncle Fester in “The Addams Family” (2025) and Enid Hoopes in “Legally Blonde” (2026).
Crayton credits the theater with helping break out of a shell, teaching valuable teamwork skills and learning to embrace the joyful chaos of live productions.
In addition to receiving the scholarship, Crayton is continuing to give back to LCT by serving as the board’s college internship liaison for the newly launched Lighthouse Leadership Fellowship.
The new two-year internship program is designed for college students and recent graduates majoring in music, theater or education. It offers hands-on mentorship, flexible scheduling, portfolio projects and direct leadership experience.
Participants begin as assistant directors in their first year under mentors Shayne Daniel and Emily Bridges before taking on full responsibilities as directors in their second year.
As college internship liaison, Crayton will help bridge the gap between LCT and local college students interested in developing their leadership and educational skills.
Emersyn Compton, who maintains a 3.8 cumulative GPA, is heading to Victory College in Tulsa, Oklahoma, to study worship ministry.
Emersyn’s extensive LCT background includes both performing and leadership roles, starring as Ariel in “The Little Mermaid” (2023) before taking on behind-the-scenes leadership responsibilities as stage manager for “Junie B. Jones” (2024), “The Addams Family” (2025), “Legally Blonde” and “The Lion King Jr.”
Emersyn expressed gratitude for the variety of experiences gained at LCT, ranging from music production and stage direction to building confidence in younger performers.
Honoring a lasting community legacy
The scholarship honors the memory of Ken Watkins, who died June 17, 2026, at age 77.
Known for his standout athletic career at El Dorado Springs High School and Missouri State University, as well as playing professional baseball in the Boston Red Sox organization, Watkins was deeply devoted to his family, faith and community.
Memorial contributions supporting youth programs through Lighthouse Children’s Theatre serve as a testament to his enduring legacy of hard work, family values and community support.
Lighthouse Children’s Theatre congratulates Thorell and Compton and wishes them success in their upcoming academic and career endeavors.
