Emily and Garrett Griffin

Michelle was a one of a kind instructor and during my years at Cadets, we all LOVED when Michelle was on tour! She was a smiling face when we were beaten down and could make us better AND build us up at the same time! I remember one sectional rehearsal, we were

rehearsing Malaguena and my spot was right on the 50. Looking back, I couldn’t even tell you what I did wrong but I BLEW UP and before we even ended the chunk, April Gilligan was already yelling my name from the scaffolding. It was hot, we had been running this same chunk for what felt like hours, and we were all on the verge of an emotional breakdown. I could feel the tears welling up and Michelle walked over to me and raised her hand towards the scaffolding as if to say “I’ve got this April.” And I said to her, “I know Michelle… that was awful. I don’t know how I did that...” And she said “yeah, that pretty much sucked. You can do better.” Smiled and walked away. I didn’t want to cry anymore and somehow her gentle reassurance got me through the rest of that rehearsal. That moment has stayed with me for over 13 years. Last year (2015), my husband Garrett and I were at the Atlanta regional. We were walking around the concourse and Michelle shouted out to us and we chatted with her and Jeff for about 10-15 minutes. We both walked away saying "there are hundreds of people that they need to see and talk to here, but she waved US down. It was great to catch up with them!"

Michelle and Jeff are two of the kindest people we will ever know. We are beyond grateful for all of the memories. We love you, Jeff and Michelle will be forever missed and forever in our hearts.