The Madison Scouts, Forward Performing Arts, and the Madison Scouts Alumni Association are pleased to announce the newly established Madison Scouts Hall of Fame, the highest achievement recognition and honor to individuals who have participated in the Madison Scouts organization throughout its long history.
“We are thrilled to have finally established a Madison Scouts Hall of Fame to recognize, honor, and celebrate those who have given so much to the organization,” said Executive Director Chris Komnick. “Our inaugural class sets the standard of service and leadership and represents the true character of the corps.” This year’s inaugural class of inductees include C.H. Beebe, Bill Howard, and Scott Stewart.
C.H. Beebe is considered the “father” of the Madison Scouts, having helped re-establish the current corps in 1938 and formally serving as its executive director shortly thereafter and up until his passing in 1968.
Bill Howard, a long-time member of the corps, would then take over as executive director, leading the Scouts into the modern era of drum corps, helped found the Drum Corps International league in 1972, and led the Scouts to their first DCI World Championship in 1975.
Scott Stewart, also a long-time alumnus, would establish the Scouts as one of the pre-eminent drum corps in the activity, led them to their second DCI World Championship in 1988, and helped produce some of the most exciting drum corps performances in the activity through the 1980s and 1990s.
All three inductees are also members of the prestigious Drum Corps International Hall of Fame.
“The Madison Scouts Alumni Association is excited to play a key role in establishing and administering the Madison Scouts Hall of Fame,” stated Kent Eversmeyer, committee chairman. “The hall will serve as the vehicle to honor great Madison Scouts and help assure their legacy is preserved and carried forward by creating opportunities for future Scouts to participate.”
The recognition award for the Madison Scouts Hall of Fame is a recreation of a sculpture called “The Ideal Scout,” awarded to C.H. Beebe in the 1950s. The Ideal Scout sculpture is also depicted in the hall logo.
The Madison Scouts Alumni Association (MSAA) will administer the Hall of Fame through an annual process that will result in a new class each year being inducted. More information can be found at www.MadisonScoutsAlumni.org.