Actor to appear at Second Annual Lighthouse Gala

Springfield native Jay Kenneth Johnson, better known as the dark and mysterious "Philip Kiriakis" on NBC's daytime hit drama "Days of Our Lives," will appear this spring as the guest of honor for the Lighthouse Children's Theatre's Second Annual Lighthouse Gala, to be held on Saturday, April 24, in El Dorado Springs.

Growing up, Johnson loved both theatre and athletics. As a defensive back for his high school football team and a star in his school plays and musicals, he learned the creativity, teamwork and discipline needed to excel in both fields. Majoring in theatre at Southwest Missouri State University, he realized acting was his true passion and decided to move to Hollywood.

Johnson has been seen on a variety of television shows; he had a recurring role on "Scrubs" and was a regular on "North Shore." he has also had guest-starring roles on "CSI: Miami," "Charmed" and " CSI: NY." Though he's living his Hollywood dream, you'd probably never suspect his stardom if you met him on the street. A down-to-earth, regular guy, Johnson is as comfortable on a Caplinger Mills family float trip as he is in the big city and is excited about the opportunity to return where he spent many summers and reach out to children in the area.

"I believe the Lighthouse is going to make a positive difference in a lot of kids' lives now and in the future," Johnson said. "If my story can inspire kids to follow their dreams, it makes where I've been and what I am doing that much more meaningful." Lynne Hedrick, executive director, said Johnson will speak to this year's theme -- "Dreams Come True."

Hedrick said one thing the Lighthouse aims to do is inspire children to reach for their dreams, no matter what they may be.

"You never know -- any one of our kids could be the next Michael Jordan, the next Brad Pitt, or the next Sheryl Crow," Hedrick said. "Jay Johnson is proof that any one of these kids can make their dreams a reality, and we are so excited for him to share his story with our communities."

The Lighthouse Children's Theatre opened its doors to area youth just two years ago and has since become an award-winning, statewide recognized organization. Last year, the Lighthouse made history with its inaugural fundraising gala at the Silverline Ranch. This year, they're doing it again -- and better.

Tickets for the gala will go on sale in early March and will be available on the Lighthouse Web site or by contacting Hedrick. Though tickets aren't yet officially on sale, anyone interested in pre-registering for the gala should contact Hedrick now, as seats will be limited and are expected to sell out.

For tickets or other information, contact Hedrick at (417) 876-3712 or lynne.lighthouse.

hedrick@gmail.com. For more information about the Lighthouse Children's Theatre, visit www.lighthousechildrenstheatre.org.