And Our 2025 Award Winners Are...
Cavaliers Arts, Performance & Education (CAPE) and The Cavaliers Drum & Bugle Corps proudly announce the recipients of the 2025 Adolph DeGrauwe Award and Honorary Cavalier honors—celebrating alumni, volunteers, and leaders whose exceptional service and dedication have made a profound and lasting impact on The Cavaliers community.
The Adolph DeGrauwe Award is one of The Cavaliers’ highest honors, named in recognition of longtime Cavaliers leader and legacy-builder Adolph DeGrauwe, whose contributions continue to inspire generations of Cavaliers. The award is presented annually to individuals whose leadership, dedication, and contributions have left a lasting impact on the organization’s success and future.
2025 AD Legacy Award Winners
Dale Hallerberg is a lifelong Cavalier whose leadership has transformed lives through inclusive arts programming. Dale is the visionary behind King Cobras, an all-abilities drumline providing students with intellectual and developmental disabilities a structured, creative, and joyful experience. His work with CAPE and The Cavaliers has expanded the organization’s community impact while advancing a powerful model of inclusion in the marching arts.
Erik Johnson is a trailblazing figure in the marching arts and percussion community. A member of The Cavaliers snare line in the early 1980s, Erik later became an integral part of the corps’ design team from 1998 to 2005—an era that saw multiple DCI World Championships and High Percussion Awards. His innovations in front ensemble orchestration and sound design elevated the corps and set new standards across the activity. Beyond the field, Erik’s influence extends through his role as founder of Innovative Percussion, a global leader in percussion education and performance products. Through this platform, Erik has championed excellence in the percussion world, supported countless educators and students, and built a partnership that continues to benefit The Cavaliers andthe broader community.
Paul Milano has played a pivotal role in shaping the modern Cavaliers through decades of leadership and vision. From his time as a marching member in the 1970s to his work in the 1980s management team, and later as a member of the Board of Directors and Development Director, Paul has been a driving force for organizational growth. He was instrumental in launching The Cavaliers Endowment Fund, elevating alumni engagement, and helping to professionalize development efforts—ensuring the organization’s long-term sustainability.
The Honorary Cavalier Award recognizes individuals who, while not marching members, have contributed extraordinary time, energy, and heart to The Cavaliers. These honorees exemplify the spirit of service, generosity, and dedication that sustains The Cavaliers’ mission.
2025 Honorary Cavalier Award Winners
Lorene Hines has served on The Cavaliers’ transportation team for 25 years, ensuring the safe and timely movement of the corps across the country. From managing complex regulatory compliance to setting up equipment in the early hours after long drives, Lorene’s behind-the-scenes work has been essential to the Green Machine’s operations quietly enabling the success of generations of members.
Ann Miller began her Cavaliers journey as a volunteer cook crew member when her son marched but quickly became an indispensable part of the family. Ann has led the cook crew during critical seasons, provided scholarships through her business (Glitz Nashville), and contributed generously to support members’ financial needs. Now a member of the CAPE Board of Directors, Ann continues to serve with boundless energy and deep care for the young men of the corps—uplifting morale and modeling the true spirit of servant leadership.
A Legacy of Excellence
“These honorees represent the very best of what it means to be part of the Cavaliers family,” said Dale Young, CAPE Board President. “Their leadership, generosity, and tireless commitment have helped shape the future of our organization and impacted countless lives. We are honored to celebrate their contributions as part of our 2025 class of award recipients.”
The awards will be formally presented during The Cavaliers’ 2025 Homecoming Weekend celebrations.
For more information on The Cavaliers and CAPE, visit: cavaliers.org.
About Cavaliers Arts, Performance & Education (CAPE):
CAPE is a nonprofit organization dedicated to transforming lives through the marching arts, education, and community engagement. Its mission is to inspire and develop young people of all backgrounds to achieve excellence and to become leaders and champions through education,