Introducing the Bluecoats Hall of Fame Class of 2019

Bluecoats has announced the 2019 inductees for the Bluecoats Hall of Fame as well as the 2019 recipients of the Bloo Ribbon and Unsung Hero Awards. The award recipients were selected by the Bluecoats Board of Directors at their most recent meeting in Canton, Ohio. Iva Johnson, Kevin Stahl, and Charles Stewart will be inducted into the Bluecoats Hall of Fame by a unanimous vote of the Board of Directors. The 2019 recipients of the Bloo Ribbon Award are Errick Jose Prince and John David Mayo, J. Rhodes Millsap and Paul Todd receive the Unsung Hero Awards.

BLUECOATS HALL OF FAME

Iva Johnson began her volunteering and “guard mom” life in 1981 when her daughter Nancy became a member of the Bluecoats. She helped by maintaining uniforms, hauling equipment, and starting the corps’ first souvenir stand along with her husband Neil, who was inducted into the Bluecoats Hall of Fame 1990. She opened her home to members who needed a place to stay and continued her volunteering by cooking and serving meals on the ‘chuck truck’, sewing flags, and tailoring and cleaning uniforms. Iva and Neal were the first Bluecoats ever to be chosen as Drum Corps International “Volunteers of the Year” at the 1990 DCI World Championships in Buffalo, NY. Iva has continued to serve by working as a consultant with the Rhythm IN BLUE ensemble of the alumni corps.

Kevin Stahl has been involved with Bluecoats for over 20 years. He first joined the Bluecoats in 1996 as a member of the baritone section, he was section leader in 1998, and was the horn sergeant in 1999. In his age-out year he was awarded Most Outstanding Brass Performer, Most Outstanding Marching Performer, and Bluecoat of the Year. In 2000 Kevin joined the instructional staff of the Bluecoats and in 2002 and 2003 he served as the Visual Caption Head. Following a brief departure, Kevin returned to the Bluecoats visual staff in 2007 where he has remained ever since. In the more than 40 letters of support for Kevin’s induction it was often mentioned that he has played a vital role in the Bluecoats rise that now includes a DCI World Championship. In the words of former Bluecoats Executive Director David Glasgow, “Kevin was likely the single-most outstanding member and section leader I’ve ever experienced at the Bluecoats. His work ethic, commitment, and his ability to lead by example was and is unmatched.”

Charles Stewart Charles Stewart performed with the Bluecoats in 1993 as a member of the contrabass section and as the drum major in 1994 and 1995. In these roles, he was known for his tenacious work ethic and outstanding leadership qualities. He received Most Outstanding Rookie Brass Performer, Most Outstanding Rookie Marching Performer, and Rookie of the Year awards in 1993 and the Bluecoat of the Year award in 1995. He served on the Bluecoats instructional staff under Doug Thrower and Dave MacKinnon from 1996 – 1998, and 2000. During those years, Charles was a mentor to many members, he helped instill the history and pride of being a Bluecoat, and he also established the Bluecoats Handbook for Drum Majors that is still used to this day. In 2011, he began work as the director and conducting instructor of the annual Blue Way Interactive Educational Experience that benefits hundreds of high school students throughout the country. In 2018, Charles was also honored by the Bluecoats organization as one of the inaugural Bloo Ribbon Bluecoat Award recipients

BLOO RIBBON AWARDS

Receiving the Bloo Ribbon Awards, recognizing outstanding alumni from the corps, are Errick Jose Prince and John David Mayo. Mr. Prince played soprano with the corps in 1994 and 1995. He has been a member of the Bluecoats brass staff for eight years. Mr. Mayo was a member of the Bluecoats from 1993 - 1998. He played soprano for 4 years and served as drum major for two years. He has been a member sponsor and a conducting volunteer with the Blue Way clinics.

UNSUNG HERO AWARDS

Receiving the Unsung Hero Awards for outstanding contributions by volunteers were Jon Millsap and Paul Todd. Mr. Millsap is the Bluecoats Stage Manager and Associate Tour Manager. He has helped over the years with the sets used in Bluecoats’ shows, with camp registrations, and assisting with serving meals. Mr. Todd has been a volunteer driver since 2012 and has been a frequent volunteer on the food truck during spring training.

These awards will be presented at the encore presentation at the Tour of Champions: Akron, presented by the Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Festival on August 5, 2019 at Infocision Stadium in Akron.