Hall of Fame Nominations
Second class nominations are open now!
Nominations close May 15, 2026
Our second class of Hall of Fame inductees will be inaugurated at our 2026 Drum Corps Grand Prix. This class will include 8 individuals. Following this year each annual class will include 2 individuals and those members will be inaugurated at the subsequent years Drum Corps Grand Prix.
In addition to our Hall of Fame dedication online, a physical plaque "Wall of Honor" is maintained at the American Legion Post 199 with all inductees.
Hall of Fame Nomination Form
Hall of Fame Nominations
The Selection & Voting Process
To ensure the Hall of Fame remains exclusive, a structured selection process is essential.
- Nomination: Any alumnus of the Caballeros Competing Corps in good standing may submit a formal nomination including a detailed biography and letters of support.
- Selection Committee: A committee consisting of current HOF members and the current Executive Committee or their designee.
- Voting Threshold: Induction requires a majority (51%) vote from the committee to ensure only the most deserving are enshrined.
- Induction Class: 2 individuals should be inducted in a single year to maintain the honor’s rarity. This can be exceeded by the decision of the Executive Committee.
Hall of Fame Criteria
Core Eligibility Requirements
To maintain the prestige of the Hall of Fame, candidates must meet baseline service requirements before being considered for their specific contributions.
Service Requirement
A minimum of 5 years of active involvement with the Hawthorne Caballeros Competing Corps (Performance, Staff, or Administration). Exceptions may be made for individuals whose impact was revolutionary but condensed into a shorter window or had a role in a significant historical event.
Separation Period
A candidate should typically be at least 2 years removed from active status within the competing corps to allow for a legacy-based perspective. This can be waved for posthumous inductions or for current members with over 10 years of service who have impacted the organization in a variety of ways.
Character
Candidates must have exemplified the highest standards of personal integrity and sportsmanship, serving as a role model for the "Caballero Way."
Categories for Consideration of Induction
Candidates are evaluated based on their primary role, though many legends may bridge multiple categories.
Performance Excellence
- Distinction: Must have been a standout performer (Soloist, Section Leader, or Drum Major).
- Achievement: Recognition via individual awards (e.g., DCA Best Soloist) or consistent placement in "Best of" captions during their tenure.
- Impact: A performer whose presence on the field defined the "look and sound" of the Caballeros during their era.
Instructional & Design Innovation
- Vision: Contributed significantly to the corps' identity through musical arranging, drill design, or caption-head leadership.
- Success: Directly responsible for captions that achieved World Championship status or significantly moved the activity forward (e.g., visual innovations or percussion techniques).
- Mentorship: A proven track record of developing members into elite performers.
Administrative & Service Leadership
- Sustainability: Individuals who ensured the corps' survival and growth through financial management, recruitment, or logistical leadership.
- Loyalty: Significant "behind the scenes" contributions (Food service, Transportation, Equipment, or Organizational leadership).
- Historical Impact: Those who protected the corps' heritage during transitional periods in the activity.
The "Caballero Spirit" (Qualitative Standards)
Beyond trophies and years of service, an inductee must embody the characteristics of the Caballeros: