MISSION
This site exists as a Remembrance page for Michelle Owens. Michelle succumbed to her year-long battle with ovarian cancer and was taken away from us way too soon on September 17, 2016 at the age of 43 years old.
This site also serves as an information base and donation site for the Michelle Owens Scholarship Series. We have created scholarship opportunities in Michelle’s name for young people in the pageantry arts with organizations that were close to Michelle to give back to the next generation as Michelle has done in her teachings. It is our hope to keep Michelle’s spirit present in this way.
ABOUT MICHELLE OWENS
MICHELLE'S TREE
Michelle’s Remembrance Tree is located in Cedar Beach Park in Allentown, PA right across from J. Birney Crum Stadium. It was planted in the spring of 2017, a few months after Michelle passed away. It was the idea of a group of Cadet Alumni that wanted to do something special to honor Michelle. It is in the perfect setting and area for the competitions that take place in the stadium a few times during the year and is a highlight for the DCI East Championships in early August. Many of Michelle’s friends, family and those that know her story stop by to pay their respects, take a photo or leave a memento.
Michelle has been recognized at the highest level for her contribution to the pageantry arts and has been inducted into the following Hall of Fame:
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Mid-York Color Guard Circuit Hall of Fame
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SAPA (Southeast Association for Performing Arts) Hall of Fame
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Crossmen Hall of Fame
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Field of View Hall of Fame
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The Cadets Hall of Fame
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With her infectious smile, her sweet disposition and high spirited personality, Michelle was loved by all. She instantly brought a light and warmth to all she interacted with. Whether she was performing or teaching, she knew how to do it with a positive attitude, encouraging spirit and genuine heart.
Michelle Owens loved the pageantry arts and was involved in it since she was a 6th grader at New Hartford High School in New Hartford, NY. She was a color guard member of the Crossmen Drum and Bugle Corps where she marched from 1990 through 1994. After aging out, she later went on to teach several drum corps which included the Crossmen, The Cadets, Troopers and Magic of Orlando.
Her artistry took her to winter guards as well. She was a member of the Field of View winter guard in 1994 and 1995. She began instructing at Field of View as well as Just Class, Salem Blue and several other winter guards. Throughout her teaching years, Michelle gave back tenfold. She worked with numerous high school guards (and middle school beginners) in the NY/NJ/PA/FL/GA areas before settling at Lassiter High School in Marietta, GA, where she was the color guard Director for 14 years.
