Todd J Winder Nomination Letter

To Cadets HOF Committee:

I would like to posthumously nominate former color guard instructor Michelle Owens to be considered into the Cadets Hall of Fame.

In every organization, there are multiple instructors you encounter over your time marching that also play different roles within the corps history, which are vital to it’s growth and success. Over the years, many individuals have served in the various roles to help the Cadets color guard reach and sustain their continued success. Michelle is one of the most respected Cadets guard staff members of all time.

In 2003, Michelle joined the color guard staff OF the Cadets. Coming from other great originations prior, she quickly became a valuable addition to our organization. Michelle helped lead the color guard to top DCI finishes during her six consecutive Summers on staff. She was instrumental in helping our color guard achieve the High Guard award in 2005. The position that Michelle filled with our guard was a very detailed and complex role that called for someone of extreme work ethic and reliability, someone with attention to detail and a desire to consistently reach not only their goals but to also help the rest of our group reach our cumulative goals. Michelle also held a high level of energy and professionalism at all times. There was always a smile on her face and she was one of the friendliest people I have ever known.

Despite the overwhelming amount of work and energy needed to teach drum corps all summer, Michelle always made sure the members of our guard were in good spirits. Was it tough love? Of course, but it was handled with grace. I can fondly recall marching under her leadership at Crossmen in 2000. In more difficult times, Michelle actually had the task of informing me of my grandmother’s passing. I will never forget how gentle and kind she was to me as she had to tell me of such painful news during a rest break in Florida.

I have come to find that typically the staff members do not always learn the choreography of the shows. However, Michelle would always make it a point to get involved and made it a point to learn the choreography along with the students. She showed me how helpful it was to her students that she actually knew those checkpoints and “easier ways” to grasp onto our difficult chorography. She was a “sabre diva,” and we were all in awe as she spun. The other Cadets color guard members and I will forever remember her finger-twirl exercises.

I can honestly not imagine what it would have been like marching my summer of Cadets and Crossmen without having Michelle there. Her countless hours of teaching, energy, patience and love for the activity is unmatched. She loved the Cadets and all her students.

Sincerely,

Todd J Winder

The Cadets Guard 04-05