Eric Kitchenman Nomination Letters

March 22, 2017

Crossmen Hall of Fame Members,

I would like to submit Michelle Owens to be considered for the Crossmen Hall of Fame.

This comes to you from a unique point of view – one that speaks to not only her deep commitment and dedication to the Crossmen but to the impact she has had on the entire pageantry community. She was special. I would add very, very, special.

Her years as a member were in 1990 to 1994 and then instructed the guard 1995 to 2000. She returned in 2015 to instruct the guard again. These are dates that indicate the passage of time. What they don’t do is measure how a person has impacted those around them. How a person built a deep comradery with their fellow corps members that would last a lifetime of friendships. How a wonderful soul could inspire so many to go beyond their capacity and limitations. Michelle did this for her fellow performers and then for years as a color guard instructor.

To put in a simple phrase, it was the power of her heart to care with the most genuine connection and empathy. Her warm smile and loving nature always came through to all she met. She would be on the field with individuals helping them to figure out a phrase or calming them to a place where they found their center or supporting them in a difficult personal matter. She not only had a broad perspective to get the ensemble to perform at a high level but more importantly it was her scope of bringing it down to the individual. I would add that she led by example, always showing fellow members and performers that there was a way to overcome obstacles.

Like a pebble dropped into a pond, Michelle’s influence in the Crossmen resonated for many and to this day those ripples keep pushing personal and professional boundaries to those she inspired. That’s the spirit of Michelle. People all over our activity either in marching band, color guard or drum corps knew Michelle and were touched by her presence. They met her or crossed paths with her and they simply cannot forget Michelle Owens.

We lost Michelle this past September to ovarian cancer. To amplify the point of the way she lived her life, even in dealing with this cancer she did so in loving kindness and shared her journey with the world in the hope it would be of benefit to those who suffered as she did. We witnessed what this brave young person was in her essence and why she is special to our community. When we consider the qualities to be a member of the Crossmen, present and pass and what virtues we would want from a member of our community; I believe Michelle Owens is the model.

I strongly recommend Michelle Owens to the Crossmen Hall of Fame and ask you give her the consideration she justly deserves.

Thank you,

Eric Kitchenman