Laura Hamilton Nomination Letter

To Whom It May Concern,

It is my pleasure to write this letter in support of Michelle Owens’ nomination to the Cadets Hall of Fame. I have known Michelle since 1997 and she made a significant impact of my life, both personally and within the realm of the colorguard activity.

I marched in the Cadets colorguard in 2003, while Michelle was an instructor. It was a very difficult summer for me being away from home while I was dealing with a serious illness in my family. I was so happy that Michelle was on the staff that year as we had such a longstanding personal relationship.

While I outwardly acted unphased, she offered support and friendship, knowing that I needed it during such a vulnerable time.

She was the best. Not only was she a master technician, she had a communication style and approach that resonated with every student she taught. She could motivate students to be their best, being tough and pushing them to their limits, but always there with a warm smile and endless support. Coming from a large network of Michelle’s former students, I know of countless examples where students would not have made it through their Summer marching season if it wasn’t for Michelle and her encouragement and support.

Since her devastating, untimely passing, the stories I’ve personally heard through the years have been amplified exponentially from students around the World who have shared their relationship with Michelle. Her history, love, and dedication to the activity are widely known. She committed most of her life to this activity through her years as a performer, and more selflessly through her devotion to teaching. She impacted countless students by teaching technical excellence and performance. She impacted her colleagues by showing through example how to be an effective educator. Underneath all of this was the warmest heart and the biggest smile which she shared with everyone around her.

This is a small testament to the support from our community to those on the Hall of Fame review committee. Please extend this deep honor, as I know it would have meant the world to her. It certainly does to everyone who had the pleasure of knowing her.

Yours sincerely,

Laura Hamilton

Boston, Massachusetts

Cadets Colorguard 2003