With the kind of seamless, precise artistry that takes place during a drum corps show, few may realize the gears ticking beneath the surface of corps organizations in order to portray the appearance of fluid clockwork — hard-working volunteers.

DCI's Volunteer of the Year awards annually recognize the "best of the best" in that large pool of dedicated individuals, without whom each corps' powerful performances would not be possible.It is with great honor that the Madison Scouts announce that our own Jeff Manion has been selected for this prestigious recognition. With an extensive laundry list of roles within the Madison Scouts organization, Jeff Manion has been a critical piece of the Wisconsin-based organization for the last 14 years.Currently Jeff serves as the vice president of the corps' board of directors, the event coordinator for the organization's three sponsored DCI Tour events, and the chair of its business development committee.“Through his leadership, the corps re-emerged and made many difficult changes that were required to achieve stability both financially and programatically,“ Madison Scouts executive director Chris Komnick said. “All the while, Jeff would never hesitate to drive a bus on tour, prepare and serve food, or do anything the corps required.”Manion's work on the Drums on Parade DCI Tour event, according to Komnick, has made a major difference for the City of Middleton, Wisconsin, and its surrounding businesses.“Jeff has been a humble and effective volunteer over the past decade of his service to the Madison Scouts and Drum Corps International,” Komnick added.Following a selection process adminstrated by Drum Corps International's Friends of DCI program, the 2017 recipients of this honor will be recognized this August during the DCI World Championship Semifinals in Indianapolis.