Announcing Our 2024 Award Winners
The Cavaliers Arts, Performance & Education (CAPE) organization is proud to announce the 2024 winners of the prestigious Honorary Cavalier and Adolph DeGrauwe Legacy Awards. Following an open nomination period this Spring and a committee voting process in May, these outstanding individuals have been selected for their significant contributions to The Cavaliers and the broader CAPE community. Their dedication and passion will be celebrated at a special reception on June 30th prior to DCI’s Cavalcade of Brass in Lisle, IL.
The Adolph DeGrauwe Legacy Award is presented to Cavalier Alumni who have dedicated years of service and left a legacy of changing the organization for the better. Adolph DeGrauwe’s involvement The Cavaliers includes having been a marching member, Cavalier Cadets Director, Cavaliers Director, and both the Vice President and the President of the Board of Directors. During his time as Director, the corps saw a resurgence into the top tier of competitive drum corps groups. DeGrauwe’s impact is still felt by the corps today, and his namesake award is reserved for individuals who have left a powerful mark on the organization.
2024 AD Legacy Award Winners
Dave Flynn dedicated seven years marching with The Cavaliers, rising from snare drummer to Drum Major. Returning years later as a Board member, he spearheaded modernization efforts and founded Green Thunder Percussion (later Cavaliers Indoor), a successful program that nurtured local talent for The Cavaliers. Dave also championed the organization's shift to a governance model, attracting diverse expertise and fueling substantial growth. His unwavering commitment to giving back and providing steady leadership epitomizes the core values The Cavaliers aims to instill in its members.
Jim Roussell was a dedicated member of The Cavaliers from 1965 to 1970, earning the Cavalier of the Year Award before enlisting in the Marines. After a distinguished military career with the Marines, Jim returned to The Cavaliers as percussion caption head and later as Corps Director, leading the corps to competitive success. After briefly working in the airline industry, he returned to The Cavaliers, building performance quality and the corps reputation before retiring again to focus on his police career and family. He maintained involvement via generous donations, coordinating reunions, and providing support when asked.
Frank Speciale marched with the Cavaliers in 1955 and 1956, and his influence remains significant today. He was instrumental in establishing a relationship between the Cavaliers and the Village of Rosemont, starting with an introduction to Mayor Donald E. Stephens in 1981. This connection led to a 40+ year sponsorship, greatly benefiting the corps. Frank served on the Cavaliers' Board of Directors for over 20 years, frequently assisted on tours, and proudly showcased the corps in Rosemont. His legacy lives on through his family's involvement in drum corps and his enduring contributions to the Cavaliers.
The title of Cavalier is reserved for those who marched in The Cavaliers Drum and Bugle Corps at any point, with the exception of Honorary Cavalier award recipients. The Honorary Cavalier award is presented to nominated individuals who, for a minimum of ten years, generously contribute their time and dedication to the drum corps. The Cavaliers are incredibly proud to bestow this hard-earned honor to our most dedicated staff and volunteers.
2024 Honorary Cavalier Award Winners
Richard Saucedo, a renowned figure in the music and marching band world, served as the Director of Bands and Performing Arts Department Chairman at Carmel High School in Indiana for 31 years, earning national recognition for his ensembles. As the brass arranger and composer for the Cavaliers, Richard's work, starting with the 2000 program "Niagara Falls," helped elevate the corps' musicianship and contributed to multiple DCI World Championship titles. Richard returned as the Cavaliers' brass arranger for their 75th anniversary season in 2023, demonstrating his deep connection to the corps' spirit and energy.
Dr. Alan Micco has been a vital supporter of the Cavaliers Medical Group, the CAPE Board of Directors, and the Cavaliers' members since his son Alex joined in 2015. He contributes his medical expertise and dedication to the corps, touring with them for at least 10 days each summer, including the challenging "Texas swamp" week, and assisting with winter camps. Dr. Micco also serves on various subcommittees of the CAPE Board of Directors, exemplifying the highest ideals of a Cavalier through his volunteer efforts. His commitment extends beyond his medical contributions, playing a crucial role in the Cavalier Medical Group and the Greater DCI Marching Arts Safety and Health Group. Nominators praise his extensive volunteer work, effective communication with staff, and contributions to developing protocols and best practices.
Please join us in congratulating this year’s winners! Learn more or nominate future winners at cavaliers.org/awards.