As the sun set on a warm spring training evening, corps members gathered outside the Vokie for a special scholarship presentation from longtime Jersey Surf Volunteer Coordinator, Terri Ives. Each year, Mrs. Ives and her siblings award a veteran member with a scholarship in memory of their mother, Doris Butler.  Applicants submit an essay and are selected on the basis of good work ethic and dedication to the corps. After an extensive review process, the Butler family selected horn sergeant Michael Halcovage as the 2016 recipient of the Doris Butler Memorial Scholarship.

Although Doris loved many things, marching was always one of her favorites. She participated in several Southeastern Pennsylvania drum corps throughout her teen years before becoming a color guard instructor and founding the Norwood Drill Team.  Doris’s passion was contagious, passing on her love of the marching arts to her five daughters and five of her grandchildren. These children, including Jersey Surf’s Terri Ives and daughter, Amy Cylinder, keep Doris’s spirit in drum corps each year by funding the Doris Butler Memorial Scholarship.

This will be Michael’s third summer in the Jersey Surf hornline, and first as horn sergeant. During the year, Michael attends Lebanon Valley College to study music education and music with concentrations in saxophone and jazz. Studying woodwinds at school and playing mellophone and flugel horn for Surf, Michael has a broad musical education background. He says, “Having had incredible teachers throughout my life as a student I understand the impact one person can have on the life of many people. To be recognized in honor of such an incredible woman, Doris Butler, is extremely humbling.” He thanks the Butler family for providing him with another summer to grow as a performer and leader amongst his best friends.

For more information about Doris Butler and the memorial scholarship, please click here.