Each year at the Drum Corps International World Championships, the Friends of DCI, DCI Hall of Fame, and other committees and organizations within the activity award scholarships and awards to deserving drum corps members. Named after DCI Hall of Fame member and founder of the Troopers of Casper, Wyo., the Jim Jones Leadership Award has been presented to outstanding drum majors since 1997. In 2009, two Jim Jones recipients were selected, one each from Open and World Class corps.

DCI Hall of Famer Gene Monterastelli congratulating
SCV Drum Major Stephanie Lee
The 2009 World Class Jim Jones Leadership Award was presented to Stephanie Lee of the Santa Clara Vanguard. Lee is an honors student at the University of North Texas where she studies music education. She is the first female head drum major in the 42-year history of the Vanguard. Santa Clara Vanguard CEO Jeff Fiedler said that during Lee's time with the corps, she was a model member. "She was up before the corps each morning and the last one to go to bed, making sure the corps members were well-informed and on task from the beginning of each day," he said. "She has given great definition to the role of drum major at Santa Clara and our current assistant drum major, Ronny Sunnaa, understands that he has big shoes to fill." Upon receiving her award, Lee said her age-out year with the Santa Clara Vanguard and the experience of being selected to receive the Jim Jones award were both extremely rewarding. "Going through the process has been a fun ride. Receiving the award is definitely an honor and I'm elated to be at this point," she said.

DCI Hall of Famer Joe Marrella presents Legends
Drum Major Kelly Koch with the Jim Jones Leadership Award.
The Jim Jones Leadership award winner from the Open Class went to Legends drum major Kelly Koch. Koch was shocked upon hearing about her nomination and selection for the award. "There are so many other wonderful drum majors that I have met this year," Koch said. "To be chosen out of them, I am totally honored." Another award presented at the 2009 World Championships is the George Zingali Scholarship. Awarded annually to an outstanding World Class color guard captain, the individuals are nominated by corps directors to receive the award. Sponsored by the George Zingali Scholarship Committee, this year's recipients were Katie Hopkins of the Holy Name Cadets and Lance Powell from the Bluecoats. Bluecoats executive director, David Glasgow said it was an honor to have Powell age-out as a sixth-year member of his corps and was proud to see him win the award. "He's got quite a legacy," Glasgow said. "He's not only an outstanding performer, but he's an outstanding guy and a really wonderful leader."

Rebecca Wiggins with Mike Canote (L) and Rick Caccam.
Every year, the San Joaquin County, Calif. non-profit Sponsors of Musical Enrichment (S.O.M.E.) sponsors the Jim Ott Scholarship. Created in memory of the legendary drum corps brass arranger and instructor, Jim Ott, the scholarship is awarded to a current drum corps member pursuing higher education in the music field and who demonstrates leadership qualities. Presented by Mike Canote and Rick Caccam with S.O.M.E., this year's $3,000 Jim Ott Scholarship was presented to Rebecca Wiggins of the Bluecoats. For a third year, generous contributions from the Friends of DCI allowed for the continuation of the Friends of DCI Scholarship Program. Selected corps members are awarded educational funding to aid in their return to the classroom after a summer participating in the DCI Tour. Charter members of the Friends of DCI program, Wayne and Karin Karge presented the award to this year's recipients who were chosen by a committee of current Friends of DCI Members. Stephanie Lee from the Santa Clara Vanguard, Benjamin Owens from the Citations and Mark Ziegler from the Glassmen were each awarded with a scholarship by the Friends. A Multi-Tenor Scholarship of $500 went to Nicholas Arce from the Blue Devils. Since 2006, the scholarship has been awarded to the top scoring multi-tenor drummer at the World Championships Individual & Ensemble. The award is funded by longtime drum corps fans, Rob McMillan and Dan Guernsey. Taylor Clements from Phantom Regiment and Brian Beck from Oregon Crusaders were selected to receive the Richardson's Scholarship. Created by charter members of the Friends of DCI, Ken and Patty Richardson, the Richardson's scholarship awards educational scholarships to two corps members wishing to apply their skills toward music education.