Brad Toth Nomination Letter

April 11, 2019

To the Cadets Hall of Fame Committee,

It is with great honor that I write this letter in support of Michelle Owens’ induction into the Cadets Hall of Fame.

I first met Michelle as a member of The Cadets. She was teaching The Crossmen and we were sharing our Spring Training facilities. She was an undeniably positive presence on all those she crossed paths with. There were no lines between Cadets, Crossmen, brass, percussion, or color guard. Everyone mattered and felt valued when in her presence.

In 2002, I had the pleasure of working with Michelle as a twenty-two year old instructor at the Magic of Orlando. I felt incredibly lucky to have her guidance when trying to find my way addressing the corps regarding their visual performance. Michelle extended the same incredible warmth and depth of knowledge she shared with her color guard members to the “kids” trying to transition into understanding the complexities inherent in teaching and cleaning drill from the box. She made us all feel empowered by her knowledge without ever feeling overwhelmed. She made sure there was quality information given to all sections, and educated us on what we needed to be looking for and valuing in a color guard. Michelle’s ability to influence members AND instructors was both powerful and positive.

Over the next five years, Michelle and I worked together several more times at The Cadets where I continued to see her incredible spirit impact countless others while helping the Cadets continue to be a corps based in passion, hard work, and excellence. I implore you to consider placing the remarkable Michelle Owens in the Cadets Hall of Fame, as I believe we should be as proud of her legacy with the corps as she was to be a part of The Cadets.

Sincerely,

Brad Toth

The Cadets, Soprano 97,99,00 Drum Major 2001

Cadet of the Year 2000, 2001

Cadets Visual Instructor 2003, 2004

Cadets Brass Staff 2006

Blue Knights Brass Caption Head 2012-2017

Phantom Regiment Brass Caption Head 2018-Present