george hopkins cadets george hopkins cadets

For the rest of the force, that means longer hours and fewer days off while earning less than peers . "There were some tears. Bergstrom said the Inquirer interviewed Jessica Beyer in April 2018 and publicly aired the four to five-minute video. The corps quickly became one of the top competitive corps in the country. Get local Breaking News alerts sent directly to your inbox. Did march in the band at West Chester University in Pennsylvania for one year. The Troopers Alumni band open during Drums Along the Rockies at Cheney Alumni Field Friday evening, July 12, 2019. Success! Man missing since 2021 was murdered, co-worker arrested: DA, Brian Laundrie was 'emotional bully,' Petito family lawsuit says, Pa. woman missing since 1992 found alive in Puerto Rico. Assistant District Attorney Matthew Falk declined to comment afterward on whether the two sides were discussing a plea deal. Marched in the Holts Hornets from 1968-1970. Defense attorney Thomas Bergstrom had previously filed a motion asking that The Philadelphia Inquirer provide the full and unedited video interview with one of Hopkins accusers that it had produced and published online. I believe you, Calhoun said, I am worthless. Hopkins, George. ACLU says it could take legal action over Saucon Valley School District rescinding approval for After School Satan Club, Big rig crashes from I-81 bridge onto street below in Schuylkill, 'He was a very humble guy': Reading High soccer coach remembers player killed in Route 33 crash, Eat, Sip, Shop: Refresh your ride at new Lehigh County store, selling high-quality car detailing products, Defense says accused former drums corps director weighing plea deal. The Casper Troopers perform during Drums Along the Rockies at Cheney Alumni Field Friday evening. The Cadets from Allentown, Pennsylvania perform during Drums Along the Rockies at Cheney Alumni Field Friday evening, July 12, 2019. The dozen women who accused Hopkins of harassment ranged in age from 16 to 37 at the time of the alleged incidents, which dated to 1980. He resigned from his post in early April amid sexual assault allegations, but the YEA board said it was firing Hopkins. The CAE Board of Directors approved this decision on Monday evening, February 13, 2023. After their third Finals appearance in 1980, the Cadets quickly regained the corps' former championship form. Second, I want to thank the USBands team for their hard work. The decision to leave wasnt easy, especially since the messaging within the organization encourages members to deal with the hardships or be seen as weak. This time, people considered dramatic steps to change the face of the Cadets and for all time, to shift the trajectory of the most honored drum and bugle corps in history. "For 86 years, The Cadets have been leaders and innovators in performing arts education," Bonfiglio said. Its clear from the video that its been edited, and that the Inquirer has chosen to show only portions of the interview, he said. On July 4, 1986 the Cadets performed as a part of the Liberty Weekend celebrating both the hundredth anniversary and the restoration of the Statue of Liberty. Most of the time, the individual is NOT an assistant but someone who would like to assist. In July, he sued the organization for more than $580,000 in severance pay. George Hopkins pleaded no contest in Lehigh. The Troopers Drum and Bugle Corps perform during Drums Along the Rockies at Cheney Alumni Field in July 2018. 39K subscribers in the drumcorps community. The Troopers initially denied wrongdoing, but later issued a statement apologizing for its defensive posture after facing a social media backlash. George Hopkins, the former director of Allentown's famed Cadets drum corps, was charged Tuesday with sexually assaulting two former employees, another striking turn in what had been an illustrious, four-decade-long career that took Hopkins to the top of the national youth activity. Hopkins, the longtime director of the famed drum corps, resigned in April after nine women whose stories spanned four decades told the Inquirer and Daily News he had sexually harassed or abused them. Error! separated from YEA and became the nonprofit Cadets Arts and Entertainment Inc. Hopkins called the allegations an orchestrated smear, As Adderall shortage continues, DEA plans to limit some telemedicine prescriptions, House where JonBenet Ramsey was found dead listed for sale for almost $7M, Columbia University permanently drops SAT, ACT admissions requirement, The Waterbed Doctor: California retailer lays claim to retro bed with nearly 40 years of service, sales, Felonious Florida podcast: Missing teenage girl leads to several cases of child sex trafficking, Do Not Sell/Share My Personal Information. [13] The corps' compliance with the terms of probation was sufficient for DCI to allow the corps to compete in 2018, and the probation was lifted in May 2019. The reasons why may be about more than money. The woman addressed Anthony in court, telling him of years of fear, shame, and depression as a result of the crime, which she did not immediately report. In her last season, she remembers a staffer being forced to resign after he was found to be sleeping with a member. separated from YEA and became the nonprofit Cadets Arts & Entertainment Inc. Hopkins called the allegations an orchestrated smear, Report: Drum corps leader threw things at work, called women little girls, California residents do not sell my data request. Connell said she never had any problems with Jackson herself, but was hurt indirectly watching her close friends being neglected or silenced. Former Cadet Lee Ann Riley said she was 17 when Hopkins, then 23, forced himself on her and had sex with her. Tips to help protect your smartphone from thieves, Outlast Forces Lone Wolf Contestants to Embrace Team Dynamics for Netflix Competition, Diego Luna: Andor Ending With Season 2 Is Really Important for My Mental Health. I expect my final paycheck on October 18 which should include the agreed upon amount for moving expenses that has not been paid since starting in February 2017. She told police that she passed out in his apartment and, when she woke up, Hopkins was gone. Hopkins attended Wednesdays proceeding but did not address the court. Despite pressure on show sponsors, judges, and other drum corps, the corps were booked into a number of shows together. DCI.org: For the uninitiated, give us a brief history of YEA!'s relationship with the Crossmen. This action was taken in reaction to the rigid, inflexible rules of the American Legion and VFW (the primary rule makers and sponsors of both corps and shows) and the low or nonexistent performance fees paid for appearing in the various competitions. After roughly a month of trying to leave, Calhoun said he finally did it in July, cutting his touring season short. Casper nonprofits can now apply for 1-cent funding through the city's official application process. Based in Erie, Pennsylvania, The Cadets was one of the thirteen founding corps of Drum Corps International (DCI), is a ten-time DCI World Champion, and is the oldest continuously active junior drum and bugle corps in North America.[1]. Lees ons privacybeleid en cookiebeleid voor meer informatie over hoe we uw persoonsgegevens gebruiken. What is clear ---I need an assistant. Jackie Fritsche You beat me to it. Not just for [the victim] but for all the women who are taken advantage of by predators like you, Anthony said. In a no contest plea, a defendant does not admit guilt, but concedes that prosecutors have sufficient evidence to secure a conviction. In her 2018 account to The Inquirer, that woman, Jessica Beyer, said she had marched with the Cadets and was hired to work for the group the following year at age 22. Free Access to this video! In a no-contest plea, a defendant does not admit guilt, but concedes that prosecutors have sufficient evidence to secure a conviction. Hopkins, 61, has not been charged and denies criminal wrongdoing. as of March 31, 2020. Caren Blundetto-Frech John Hannigan, is there more than one child? Thank you again for the opportunity and best of luck. In addition to The Cadets, YEA! has taken furt, Two former Youth Education in the Arts employees accused George Hopkins of sexual assault. Copyright 2023 by The Associated Press. In February 2023, CAE announced a long-term partnership with the Erie Sports Center, resulting in a decision to move The Cadets and all operations of CAE to Erie, Pa. (CAE). [2][3][4], In 1972, the Garfield Cadets, along with the nine other corps from the Alliance and the Midwest Combine, plus the Anaheim Kingsmen, Argonne Rebels, and De La Salle Oaklands were founding members of Drum Corps International, which remains as the sanctioning body for junior corps in North America. The judge did question how the defense would know if the witness impeached her own testimony on the stand, if it didnt know ahead of time what she may have said in an earlier interview. 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George Hopkins, the former director of the Allentown Cadets Drum and Bugle Corps who was accused of sexual misconduct by nearly a dozen women, pleaded no contest to indecent assault and was. The negligence comes from a lot of places, Connell said. One in four trooper positions are vacant. [7] Later that day, Hopkins stepped down as director of The Cadets and YEA! In addition, YEA! I get they try to model it like the military, and in the military, youre only as strong as your weakest link, Calhoun said. [20] A new Board of Directors was established, led by former CEO and Cadets Director Denise Bonfiglio. and USBands, but I can no longer be treated as dispensable. By The Morning Call PUBLISHED: November 14, 2018 at 1:05 a.m. | UPDATED: November 14, 2018 at 1:32 a.m. As a member of MAASINs whistleblowing committee, Calhoun helped compile six reports and publicized them in January. Hopkins had been suing YEA for $650,000 in severance, vacation and expenses. Nine women from Allentowns elite Cadets drum corps accuse director George Hopkins of sexual abuse and harassment, he sued the organization for more than $580,000. "' The Cadets Drum and Bugle Corps . George Hopkins, the former CEO of the Allentown-based Youth Education in the Arts, faces three felony counts of sexual assault for allegedly assaulting two former employees. "And he did it anyway. First, I want to thank you for the opportunity you have afforded me in this role. These sort of militaristic rituals, paired with constant reminders about how grateful members should be for their spot on the corps, foster a culture of negligence that came to light last month when several former members went public with allegations, leading to the resignation of former corps director Kristy Jackson. In a fast-paced competitive environment like the Troopers, Calhoun said his mental illness problems soon led to physical injuries. Presidents of our country die Laura Masker-Holland and VP takes over and our country still goes on. At one point, a staff member called members of his section worthless to their faces, because they couldnt march without passing out from untended injuries. The woman told police that when she stood up to leave the bar, she felt like she was moving in Jell-O.. There is an interview with Beyer that is readily available to the public that will allow the Bergstrom to build his defense, Berry argued. [2][3], In the second half of the Sixties, the Garfield Cadets became more of an also-ran than a champion. Never marched in high school band. His arrival was fortuitous, because the Cadets were in crisis - lacking staff, As one of the only returning baritones, he was offered the section head spot by Jackson but turned it down I thought I didnt deserve it.. George Hopkins, former director of Allentown's elite Cadets drum and bugle corps, pleaded no contest to indecent assault after an Inquirer investigation revealed years of misconduct. The investigation into Hopkins conduct found he had little oversight from the Cadets board, giving him the freedom to throw things when angry in rehearsals, refer to women as little girls, and send inappropriate sexual emails on the organizations server. In 2003, Yea! Sean King was named as interim CEO for YEA! Sign up for our newsletter to keep reading. In the criminal case, prosecutors alleged Hopkins, of Mechanicsburg, Cumberland County, sexually assaulted a former employee at his Allentown apartment, after they met at a bar to discuss drum corps rules. Since the assault in the apartment occurred in 2010, before a recent amendment to Megans Law, Hopkins is not subject to sexual offender registration. moved its base of operations to Allentown, Pennsylvania and The Cadets relocated along with it. amid sexual allegations, Allentown Cadets board resigns amid allegations against ex-drum corps director, Defense says accused former drums corps director weighing plea deal. : p or should it be, willing away the cash cow?Someone sold our souls to this legacy (too) many years ago. On Wednesday, he told Lehigh County Judge James Anthony that the Inquirer has refused to provide the full video. This website is not intended for users located within the European Economic Area. But no one is irreplaceable. Former Cadets described him as a charismatic leader, while former office. Morning Call reporter Laurie Mason Schroeder can be reached at 610-820-6506 or lmason@mcall.com. Steven Chirichella Richie has his gold uniform on him in his eternity as he lies in the heavens dont turn him blackplease oh Holy Name. But, as Connell says, the problem is much deeper than a couple of creeps. In an online post last year, Hopkins called the allegations an orchestrated smear by those who disagreed with his management. I get up because Ive done the work to make myself whole and understand the evil that was done to me was not because of me, but because of you.. George Hopkins 260 Followers Life long member, teacher, and administrator of Drum Corps (from 1968-2019). Updated Nov 13, 2018. The only ones that thought it was the kiss ass GH puppets/groupies/cult members. They became the 507 Hornets -- I marched there from 1971-1974. Fine time to ask me now. Allentown Cadets Drum and Bugle Corps separated from YEA and became the nonprofit Cadets Arts & Entertainment Inc. in May, stating it had lost $1.5 million in sponsorships, donations, and ticket sales after the allegations against Hopkins were made public in the 2018 Inquirer account. He now is awaiting trial in Lehigh County on charges of sexually assaulting two of the women. Currently semi retired, while creating Act 2 of life. Some people may be able to give 12 hours a day to the cause, and that is great for them and you, but my life is outside of YEA! established a hotline for calls to report concerns or complaints.[11]. and USBands affects the lives of tens of thousands of students each year and I feel humbled to have played a small part in that. A six-month investigation into Allentown's Youth Education in the Arts is now complete. In 1937, the corps song, "O Holy Name", was written for the corps. The Casper Troopers perform during Drums Along the Rockies at Cheney Alumni Field Friday evening, July 12, 2019. An online community dedicated to the marching arts, with a focus on drum corps. In his federal lawsuit seeking severance pay and other monies, Hopkins asserts that he resigned from the organization by letter on April 5, and that his departure was "mutually agreed"-upon. Support local news coverage and the people who report it by subscribing to the Casper Star-Tribune. There was an error processing your request. Shortly after, more victims came forward, and the accounts of two of these women became the basis of the criminal charges brought in November 2018. Two additional women, including Beyer, came forward within days to say they were also victims. Please subscribe to keep reading. Stuart Evan Rice said in an interview this week that he told Dan Acheson . If his probation officer recommends it, Hopkins will have to undergo sex offender therapy. The rehearsal and performance grind wore him down, and he got little help from Jackson a former nurse aside from recommendations to drink coconut water and sit out a few reps. money, and members. The Cadets have won these caption awards:[25], John Brazale Best Visual Performance Award, George Zingali Best Color Guard Performance Award, Fred Sanford Best Percussion Performance Award. that title. And thats the sad part, those people that truly went through something hard, something life-altering and traumatic, are scared to talk about it.. Hopkins did not testify Thursday. The Cadets Drum Corps (formerly the Holy Name Cadets, Cadets of Garfield, Garfield Cadets, and Cadets of Bergen County) is a World Class competitive junior drum and bugle corps. This is our director.". Philly.com reported the alleged misconduct ranged from lewd comments and groping to rape. (A similar group of Midwestern corps, the Midwest Combine, was formed by the Blue Stars, Cavaliers, Madison Scouts, Santa Clara Vanguard, and the Troopers.) They reportedly tried to convince the VFW officials that the peace symbol in their drill was actually the Mercedes-Benz logo. In response to a question from Anthony, Berry said the paper would hand over the full video recording for the judges review only, if that was the courts ruling. For members of the Casper-based Troopers Drum & Bugle Corps, summer is hardly a vacation. Through his attorney, Hopkins denied "any nonconsensual relations" with the sisters and also denied having "any relations whatsoever" with Lee Ann Riley while she was a minor. The charges are second-degree felonies. Hopkins did not testify Thursday. [6] The only junior drum and bugle corps older than The Cadets is the Racine Scouts, which was founded in 1927. These PEOPLE are your most important asset. "He's like, 'Are you all right?' 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His credentials, his experience, his talents, his imagination, and his intellect are formidable. with the Cadets as DCI World Championsthe first eastern corps ever to hold "I just kept saying no, don't do this, I don't want to do this," said Marie, who said she went by her middle name at work. Now, she told Hopkins, who stood a few feet from her in the courtroom, she feels stronger than ever. Genesis from Austin, Texas performs during Drums Along the Rockies at Cheney Alumni Field Friday evening, July 12, 2019. With director gone, Troopers now face deep-seated culture of negligence. As presented, the Cadets did turn to Black renditions of the Cadets uniforms at the end of 2015. I was just going to say, check his will! Anthony warned Hopkins that if he violated any conditions of probation he could be sent to a state prison. Ryan Macpherson, who hails from Bethany Lutheran College in Mankato, Minnesota, will start his work as dean of the college on Aug. 1. Rachael Ray Ending After 17 Seasons: Its Time for Me to Move On, Shania Twain 'uncontrollably fragile' after husband's affair, 48 Hours: Natalie Morales Reveals How Social Media Helped Solve Case, Uriah Heep believe they have 'some merit' to be considered for Rock and Roll Hall of Fame entry, Amanda Seyfried wants to a role in movie version of Mean Girls: The Musical, Aaron Taylor-Johnson joins Nosferatu remake. Brisk with west to northwest winds around 10-20mph gusting to 30mph.. Mostly cloudy with less wind and a few breaks in the clouds overnight. He joined the staff of the Cadets in 1979 as percussion instructor and arranger, moving up to become Assistant Director under Dr. Santo . "This is a painful moment for all those who care about The Cadets," Youth Education in the Arts, the nonprofit that runs The Cadets, said in a statement on its website. It comes from a lot of different places.. Hopkins, 63, was accused of sexual assault and harassment by nine women in a 2018 Inquirer article. Abusers like Hopkins benefit from a culture of exclusivity and competition thats common in drum corps. But if that is the consensus of the alumni maybe WE should ensure that there will be a future for the CADET organization! The women who accused Hopkins of harassment ranged in age from 16 to 37 at the time of the alleged incidents, which dated to 1980. The judge set a Dec. 17 hearing on the defenses motion to dismiss the charges. [7] Later that day, Hopkins stepped down as director of The Cadets and YEA! . She said Hopkins' denials on social media after the allegations became public in 2018 he complained he had been smeared were a constant source of anxiety. The Crossmen of San Antonio, Texas perform during Drums Along the Rockies at Cheney Alumni Field Friday evening, July 12, 2019. The Govenaires, an all-age/senior corps founded in 1927, retain the title of oldest continuously active corps. The Cadets has long been one of the top programs, attracting teens and young adults from around the world. Renowned drum corps leader resigns amid abuse allegations. For the 1971 season, the corps stuck together, offering show promoters the five corps as a package. Nickelodeons Kids Choice Awards: What Is Slime, and Why Do We Love It? ; Last edited on 15 February 2023, at 17:00, United States Scholastic Band Association, "corpsreps.com The Drum Corps Repertoire Database", "Determination: Believing in the Midwest Combine", "Bang the Drum Slowly: A Championship Drum and Bugle Corps Leaves the State", "The Cadets Drum and Bugle Corps: A history of alleged sexual abuse", "Statement from the Board of Directors of Youth Education in the Arts", "YEA! I want the victims to know that what you did was horrible beyond description, the judge said. . For those who outright pretty much called me a liar, Lillian Petrullo-Yocovelli Thx you Caren Blundetto-Frech!! YEA rejects ex-director's resignation, fires him amid allegations, New twists appear in relation to former Cadets Director George Hopkins, Investigation underway into YEA! Exercise was often used as punishment for messing up. It took a summer without performances, said Connell, for people to step back and realize that what they thought was tough love was actually systemic negligence. View George Hopkins' profile on LinkedIn, the world's largest professional community. I wholeheartedly believe in the mission and vision of YEA! I know this sub loves a good Hop story, so here you go. Hopkins was hired by The Cadets in 1979 and became director in 1982, coaching the team to 10 world titles. The story of George's van trip to Mississippi and Louisiana Marie J DiDomenico Dont listen to them Steven, its the guard. he sued the organization for more than $580,000 in severance pay. This is the resignation letter from the director of USBands (a YEA program that helps fund The Cadets) and reveals some interesting information. Lehigh County Judge James T. Anthony also fined Hopkins $5,000, the most allowed by law, and called him flatly disgusting.. won with field programs that were, and still are, viewed as ground-breaking. [15], In response to Hopkins suing YEA! Drum and bugle corps perform intricate routines that incorporate music, marching, dance and color guards. Charges were filed against Hopkins in November 2018, months after Youth Education in the Arts launched an investigation after about a dozen women accused Hopkins of sexual misconduct. First, I want to thank you for the opportunity you have afforded me in this role. All Rights Reserved. One possible side effect of the frigid temps? In written remarks later directed at Hopkins, she said she had joined the Cadets bright-eyed, eager, and innocently believing that through hard work and integrity most things were possible., Instead, she said, working for the Cadets meant being subjected to verbal and sexual abuse. Now, she told Hopkins, who stood a few feet from her in the courtroom, she feels stronger than ever. It comes from the higher-ups, it comes from the admin, it comes from the board of directors, it comes from the staff, the caption staff, the people that are in charge of putting on the show. Youth Education in. reached a settlement in January 2019. [16] Hopkins and YEA! Instead, Beyer is very much in the public eye, and the defense is asking to see the entire video interview, not a reporters notes, he said. Midway through the 1959 season, the parish allowed the corps to once more wear the uniform that remains their trademark. Its credits include the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta, President Barack Obama's first inaugural parade, a reality TV show and "Late Night with David Letterman.". George Hopkins has been charged in Lehigh County with two counts of sexual assault. Lehigh County Judge James T. Anthony also fined Hopkins $5,000, the most allowed by law, and called him flatly disgusting.. The Cadets of Bergen County won DCI Championships in 1990, '93, '98, and 2000. 93 (Mvts. There was a problem saving your notification. Value of cutting back on your screen time, What the Tech? If his probation officer recommends it, Hopkins will have to undergo sex offender therapy. George has 7 jobs listed on their profile. This amount of the lawsuit included recovery for lost sponsorships and pledged donations to The Cadets and YEA!, a major loss of participants in the US Bands program, as well as legal fees incurred due to the scandal.