Jim Schaefer Nomination Letter

Hall of Fame Committee Members,

I am writing to nominate Michelle Owens for the Cadets Hall of Fame class of 2019. It was my distinct pleasure to meet Michelle at the Crossmen in the summer of 1995 where we both toured and taught the colorguard. From the moment I met Michelle and began to work with her I knew she was special.

First and foremost, Michelle was an amazing educator from the moment we met, and she continued that momentum and process with the Crossmen from 1995-2000. I had the pleasure and honor to be with her in 1995, 1998-2000. Michelle not only brought a passion for teaching to the field, she brought her love for the activity, and a comprehensive commitment to the members she was standing in front of that day. Michelle loved creating connections with students, these connections allowed her to push them past their own limits, and this is the hallmark of a true educator. The ability to light a fire in your students and help them become better at life, better at being a person and finally helping them become a better asset to their fellow members, this is what Michelle brought to the activity and to all of the people that knew her.

Michelle went on to teach with many groups over the years, her time with the Cadets was a highlight for her, having had this conversation with her many times over the years. Having taught the Crossmen with Michelle for so long and having been situated in and around the Cadets organization during many of these years, I was incredibly happy and nervous for her transition into the Cadets home. I knew Michelle would teach as she always had, I worried maybe all of the years outside looking in, the reputation, the history of the Cadets and her family’s history with Crossmen would get in her way. Truly, Michelle’s goal was always the same ,and Michelle is the consummate professional, her passion for Drum Corps, for teaching is all I personally needed to remember. Michelle dove into teaching at the Cadets with her same sense of zeal, commitment, and passion she demonstrated wherever she was teaching at the moment.

I can’t think of a more deserving person to be inducted into the Cadets HOF, her tenure was quintessentially Michelle. Knowing what I have seen with my own eyes, and witnessed over the years, Michelle embodied what it is to be a Cadet. There isn’t a person alive that doesn’t understand who, and what Cadets have been to the overall history of Drum Corps. This said, when thinking of a deserving staff member to be given an honor of being in the Cadets Hall of Fame, of showcasing what a Cadet looks like, I wholeheartedly endorse Michelle Owens as your pick.

Sincerely,

Jim Schaefer

Crossmen Guard Staff 1995, 1998-2000, 2005.

Field Of View IW Colorguard 1998

Magic of Orlando Guard Staff 2002