P. Aaron Gantt Nomination Letter

Dear Cadets HOF Committee,

My name is Aaron Gantt and I was a member of the color guard from 2002-2003. I’d like to nominate Michelle Owens for posthumous induction into the Cadets Hall of Fame. Michelle taught the guard from 2003-2008 during that time she had a profound impact on the members that came through the organization.

I had the privilege of having her in my life from 2003 until she died in 2016. I first met Michelle in 2003 at April camp. I remember her walking in and watching the guard, there was this huge grin that she had on her face. Later I’d learn that it was very rare to not see her with that smile for which she was so well known. By the time she came to Cadets she had already been a Color Guard Caption Head at other drum corps and she knew what was needed as a staff member. Michelle exemplified every aspect of what it means to be a Cadet. She always did whatever was needed of her, with 100% attention to detail. She didn’t complain about the role she was needed in, she served it to the best of her ability and with a smile. She was there with us, in the trenches learning the choreography, making us laugh, holding us accountable, helping us by teaching those lessons not only through words but through her own actions. She did that every summer, showing all of us that your mindset is what gets you through.

In 2016 Michelle lost her battle with Ovarian Cancer and I traveled from Austin, Texas to attend her service in Atlanta. I was simply astounded by how many people were there and all with the same stories as mine. There hasn’t been one Cadet that was taught by her that hasn’t shared with me similar experiences. She impacted all of us in such a positive way that I know it has spread through our entire activity. If you want to have a sampling of just how much she was loved, treasured, and revered watch the 2019 Production Flanagan High School performed in the Scholastic World WGI Competition in Dayton, Ohio. In their show they had a segment where they featured people who had an impact on peoples lives in the activity. Michelle’s was one of the last pictures shown and it received so much applause.

She was one of the good ones, one of the rarest types of people that practice unconditional love to everyone they meet. She accepted you for where you were and taught you how to get to where you needed to be. She was a force to be reckoned with and she will be a name that inspires our community for ages. I would not be the teacher/friend/peer/colleague that I am without her guidance and example. Even after being given an unfavorable outcome she fought it like a Cadet. Never blaming others or asking for sympathy about her illness, instead fighting with determination, bravery, and dignity. Still making time for those that she taught and loved so much. I can’t think of a better person more deserving of this honor.

FHNSAB,

P. Aaron Gantt

Cadets 2002-2003