Jean Coulet du Gard Nomination Letter

Dear Committee Members,

It is with great honor that I nominate Michelle Owens Posthumously to the Cadets Hall of Fame Class of 2019. Michelle was a phenomenal educator everywhere she taught.

Michelle had a long career as a performer at The Crossmen Drum and Bugle Corps, and Field of View Winter Guard. She was the quintessential member. Always pushing her self to be the best, while having an infectious energy to everyone around, and the pursuit of excellence.

After years as a model member she continued in the activity in an educational role by giving back to the very program that shaped her. In 1995 Michelle came back to The Crossmen, and worked in various roles throughout her six-year stay with the program. She was a tech, a choreographer, and a Caption Supervisor. But above all of that, she was one of the most compassionate, energetic, passionate people I have ever met in this activity, and has given back so much to everyone who has come in contact with her. Her energy could motivate anyone in any situation. Even on the hottest days of drum corps in the Deep South. There was just something about her that could get a group to do just about anything, and enjoy themselves throughout the whole process. The summer of 1998 was one of the best summers of my life. That was my first summer of Drum Corps, and I don’t think I would have made it without Michelle that summer, nor would I have been so inspired/ driven to continue four more summers. The confidence, and life skills she instilled in me led me to then march an additional season at The Crossmen, and the next three with The Cadets. Leaving all summer as a teenager can be a scary thing, but the bond that Michelle created with me, and all of the other members was priceless. You could feel her love for the activity, and for each of us coming out of every ounce of her.. I wanted to be like her, and emulate this great leader that I got to learn from.

Michelle had the highest standards, was able to impact thousands of performers over the years, and always left the most amazing impression on everyone she came in contact with. She radiated this beautiful energy all around her that was mesmerizing. In my eyes (and many others), she is the epitome of a role model.

With great respect, and admiration for the activity we all love, I would like to nominate Michelle Owens to the Cadets Hall of Fame. Let’s celebrate her contributions to our beloved activity, and keep her spirit alive.

Best Regards,

Jean Coulet du Gard

Cadet’s member 2000-2002