The longtime leader of the Pella High School Speech and Theater program was inducted into the Iowa Thespians Hall of Fame. Teacher Suzi Jones was recognized at a ceremony during Thespian Festival at the University of Northern Iowa this past Saturday.

Including Jones, only 35 individuals have been inducted into the Iowa Thespian Hall of Fame, beginning in 1995.

Her colleague, Ashlee Whittington, said, “It is difficult to explain to you how lucky we are to have Suzi’s knowledge, connections, passion, and energy in the state of Iowa and in the Iowa Thespians. She is a champion for theater education. Her ability to do everything she does while teaching dual credit classes, earning multiple masters degrees, volunteering in the community, and having a great family is truly remarkable. She is so much fun to direct with, and has been an incredible mentor, resource, and friend to me, to our staff, and to directors and coaches in our school and across the state.”