Brian Forte Nomination Letter

To Whom It May Concern:

I am writing in support of the posthumous nomination of Michelle Owens to the Cadets Hall of Fame. As a marching member of the Cadets Color Guard from 2004–2007 and a staff member from 2008–2009, Michelle was my instructor, my mentor, my colleague, and, most wonderfully, my friend. She truly embodied the best of what The Cadets can be, and worked tirelessly to bring those qualities out in others.

My relationship with Michelle began when I was a rookie on the Cadets flag line in 2004. To say we were a motley bunch is a bit of an understatement, and I imagine standing in front of us day in and day out was a Herculean task. Michelle, ever patient, helped me not just to survive that summer, but to find the joy in hard work and to see the silver lining of a difficult task. She balanced every correction with a smile and a joke, and would check in to make sure everything was ok on particularly tough days. I always think of Michelle when teaching my own students the “Rings of Saturn” maneuver—she spent countless hours with me making sure I understood that move, always with her signature smile!

When I aged out and joined the color guard staff, I had the absolute pleasure of working side by side with Michelle. This picture from Spring Training of 2008 is one of my favorites of Michelle and I because it perfectly captures how we spent that summer. I have so many wonderful memories of her, but some of the best were just the two of us standing in the end zone together watching the flag line - the laughs, the frustrations, all the lessons she taught me. She taught me so much that summer about what it means to be a teacher—the patience required, the hours after rehearsal trying to figure out the best way to approach the next day, reading the mood of the team and adjusting to make sure everyone was having the best experience. She was the first person at the field before rehearsal and the last one to leave, and her example made me want to be better every day.

For her dedication to the Cadets Color Guard, for her constant pursuit of excellence, for the way she made everyone feel welcome and loved, I cannot think of a better addition to the Cadets Hall of Fame than Michelle Owens. I thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,

Brian Forte The Cadets Member 2004-2007 Color Guard Staff 2008-2009