Rick Subel Nomination Letter

April 15, 2019

To whom it may concern

I am submitting this letter in support toward nominating Michelle Owens for the Cadets Hall of Fame. I marched in the Cadets in 1992, and I taught the corps in 2001 and 2015. Michelle passed away in 2016 and was a great friend to the pageantry arts, the Cadets, and many individuals throughout DCI, WGI, and pageantry all over the world. While her passing left a hole unable to be filled, her life left a huge impact on the marching arts and the hundreds of lives she helped nurture, support, educate, and mentor.

Michelle taught at the Cadets from 2003 to 2008. And in that time, she helped The Cadets earn a DCI Championship as well as a Zingali High Colorguard Trophy. Her kind spirit and teaching style were model traits for educators in the pageantry arts. She connected with her students and made them feel valued and respected. She was creative in finding new ways to reach students and help them fully realize their potential. Still somewhat in a time when teaching methods in the activity were sometimes gruff or out of “tough love,” Michelle taught with love and respect, and because of this her students sought to give their all. She was a role model to so many young women, who saw her success and achievements in this activity as something they could aspire toward. And I truly believe Michelle was a model of “what a Cadet should be”—both on and off the rehearsal field.

In the many years that Michelle was active in DCI and WGI, she helped educate so many of today’s top colorguard instructors. The effects of Michelle’s dedication to her students can be felt today in the successful programs, directors, and staffs all over the country. The ripple effects of her craft, skill, motivation, and care as a teacher and designer will live long after her. I feel that one of most important things we can do in this activity is make a resounding, positive effect on the lives of others. And for these lasting impacts of her career, I feel it only fitting that she be recognized and nominated for the Cadets Hall of Fame.

Sincerely,

Rick Subel