Robert Godin Nomination Letter

April 11, 2019

Dear Hall of Fame Committee members:

I would like to provide this letter in support of Michelle Owens induction into the Cadet Hall of Fame. As you know she was a staff member for the cadets Colorguard for several years. Her passion for teaching is unmatched by anyone else I have ever had the privilege to work with in this activity. I first came to meet Michelle through our winterguard Salem Blue where she was brought in to choreograph the show, she worked here for over 15 years.

When Michelle teaches she keeps it fun and energetic, she pushes the kids far beyond what they think they can do and celebrates them when they achieve it. I have seen her on many occasions 1:1 with a student helping them to achieve. This isn’t limited to the choreography but in the kids themselves. She nurses them through an injury and is conscious of their wellbeing overall and happy to give a hug at any time. Michelle was an inspiration to the members of this team and this resulted in 6 members of Salem Blue becoming Cadets as they were inspired by what she brought to the activity and how she inspired the value, work ethic and passion of the Cadets where ever she was.

Her caring and love for the Cadets continued even after she stopped teaching and when she would meet up with the team on tour somewhere, would show up with nice clean socks for the entire colorguard because she knew how important it was for them to feel good, and the kids so appreciated this simple but impactful act. In fact, since Michelle’s passing I have continued this tradition in her honor and have seen first hand the kids reaction to this simple but so meaningful of a gift.

Michelle Owens completely embodied what a Cadet should be and lived it and shared it broadly in our activity. There is no one so more deserving of this honor to join the incredible dedicated and inspiring members of the Cadets Hall of Fame.

Sincerely,

Robert Godin

Cadets Colorguard 1988