Exemplar 1 - USA - Northeast - The Exemplar Program

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To Alex Mullins, L2 from USA – Northeast Recognized by Kevin Desprez, L5	Alex, During GP DC, you told me you disagreed (for very valid reasons) with a tough decision I had to make but respected my decision. Disagreeing constructively and respecting others’ decisions is a key element to globally improve our community. Congrats on being so open-minded. Kevin.
To Alex Mullins, L2 from USA – Northeast Recognized by Paul Baranay, L3	Alex, thanks for all your hard work with the Northeast Blog, as well as being a driving force behind the Judge Calls presentation at the Northeast conference, and consistent strong performance at various events.
To Amanda Stevens, L1 from USA – Northeast Recognized by Shawn Doherty, L3	Amanda, I am inspired by your desire and dedication to the social issues of judging, particularly establishing safe spaces at events and reducing inappropriate language and behavior at events and in the judge program. You have made positive changes already.
To Anthony Hullings, L1 from USA – Northeast Recognized by Shawn Doherty, L3	Krug, you been great in mentoring other L0s and L1s to be the best judge they can be and helping them advance. You have also shown dedication to improve and grow, without being discouraged that your level hasn’t changed yet.
To Anthony Hullings, L1 from USA – Northeast Recognized by Steven Zwanger, L3	Anthony, your hard work and enthusiasm at SCG Somerset set a great example for other judges.
To Brandon Lane, L2 from USA – Northeast Recognized by Shawn Doherty, L3	Brandon, at the Eternal Extravaganza, you handled a variety of logistical concerns (hotel issues, multiple rooms), in a professional manner. You anticipated the Head Judge’s needs and organized breaks without compromising coverage, you handled some tricky situations that could have turned serious.
To Brogan King, L2 from USA – Northeast Recognized by Eric Levine, L3	Strong showing as team lead (your first one!) at the Legacy Open in Somerset. You worked hard to make sure everyone felt included, even those who got moved back and forth from side events. Thanks for providing cohesion, especially during the more chaotic rounds!
To Brogan King, L2 from USA – Northeast Recognized by Jason Reedy, L3	Brogan sought out my advice on how to make a good impression before GP Rich, her first large event. She put this good use over the course of the event, putting in a tireless effort on sides & maintaining composure with staff & players in the face of a 4k+ player event. (L1 at the time of observance)
To Brogan King, L2 from USA – Northeast Recognized by Sean Catanese, L4	You have faced several challenges in the last several months, some of which would cause even the most dedicated among us to question our place and role in this program. You have confronted those challenges with honesty and integrity which are the hallmark of an exemplar in my estimation. Thank you!
To Craig Stambaugh, L2 from USA – Northeast Recognized by Josh Stansfield, L3	CJ, I appreciated your exemplary work at GP Boston, but what I appreciated even more was the excellent candid feedback you provided afterwards. It showed a genuine concern about personal and community improvement, and for that I thank you!
To Craig Stambaugh, L2 from USA – Northeast Recognized by Paul Baranay, L3	CJ, you’ve made a big splash in the judge program in recent months. This gift is meant to recognize your consistent level of superb performance at many events (particularly at SCG Syracuse), along with organizing the Northeast Judge Conference and certifying L2’s in Connecticut. <3, BEARZ
To Dan Collins, L2 from USA – Northeast Recognized by Shawn Doherty, L3	Dan, you have shown willingness to learn and share your experiences with others. Although you have been a judge under a year, you have taken on responsibilities including Team Lead and Area Rep. You have shared experiences in several ways, including a TL report on reddit and feedback on NJ judges.
To Dani Mansur, L1 from USA – Northeast Recognized by Casey Brefka, L3	You have been very active since certifying, and your growth as a judge is inspiring other women in the community to play and to judge as well. Keep up all the great work, and keep working towards L2!
To Elliot Raff, L2 from USA – Northeast Recognized by Shawn Doherty, L3	Elliot, there have been a couple of situations where personal disagreements between people required a mediator. You showed a willingness to get involved and not let personal feelings get in the way of professional behavior.
To Eric Levine, L3 from USA – Northeast Recognized by Fabian Peck, L3	Thank you for your work keeping people sane on the internet throughout the recent changes. There were many people helping but your voice was one that kept standing out with honest, blunt, reassuring information and discussion for people.
To Eric Levine, L3 from USA – Northeast Recognized by John Carter, L3	Eric is really a jack of all trades. No matter the situation, Eric seems to find a good solution. Particularly, Eric regularly helps wrap events for CFB/Cascade Games at GPs so the events end smoothly and judges have a great time improving their skills.
To Eric Shukan, L3 from USA – Northeast Recognized by Kevin Desprez, L5	Eric, Our game is constantly evolving and our rules as well. It’s therefore important to periodically review our guidelines to handle players who cheated. Thanks to your efforts, we’re making the best possible decisions to protect our game. Congrats on maintaining the IC standards high! Kevin.
To Eric Shukan, L3 from USA – Northeast Recognized by Mitsunori Makino, L3	Eric, One of my strength is refined policy philosophy. It is useful to stop unexpected gameloss and discover hidden cheating. The discussions that I had with you make me so.Mitsunori
To Eric Shukan, L3 from USA – Northeast Recognized by Sean Catanese, L4	You stepped up to address a serious and sensitive issue, and you did so with aplomb and integrity that no one could dare question. Your approach and reasoned findings were, as usual, presented clearly and comprehensively, but in a way which few others could have accomplished. Thank you!
To Eric Smith, L3 from USA – Northeast Recognized by Ryan Stapleton, L3	For tactful way of rebalancing me to do what I needed to do.
To Gilbert Medeiros, L2 from USA – Northeast Recognized by Jens Strohäker, L3	I would like to recognize Gilbert for his hard work in the SE part of Mass and Rhode Island. After Gilbert became L2 he certified and trained more than 5 people in a very short time.
To Gilbert Medeiros, L2 from USA – Northeast Recognized by Shawn Doherty, L3	Gil, you have stepped up to make you local area better. You have trained a variety of candidates in the area, introduced valuable content in the area forums, and gone out of your way t make sure that stores had the judges that they needed.
To Gregory Schwartz, L2 from USA – Northeast Recognized by Shawn Doherty, L3	Greg, you have a willingness to help others in the program succeed. From your philosophical discussions with local judges to your article to help judges get accepted to a Grand Prix, you show a desire to help judges improve themselves.
To Ian Taylor, L2 from USA – Northeast Recognized by Casey Brefka, L3	Ian, I’ve known you since I started judging, and you’ve been a mentor and friend to me since day 1. You’ve been helping to cultivate judges in this region for over a decade, and you are universally respected and loved in the region. It’s about time we showed some tangible gratitude.
To Joe Hughto, L2 from USA – Northeast Recognized by Paul Baranay, L3	Joe, I wanted to recognize your incredible contributions to various projects (the Welcome Wagon, the Northeast Blog, and Judge Dinners), as well as your great performance Head Judging the Legacy Open in Syracuse, and helping bring The Index to the US. Well done! <3, BEARZ
To Joe Hughto, L2 from USA – Northeast Recognized by Shawn Doherty, L3	Joe, you have a desire to create solutions where you see a need. You created a Welcome Wagon position for the region so new judges don’t get lost. You offered to make webforms so I could collect data easier. You have always pushed for things to get done.
To Joeseph Achille, L1 from USA – Northeast Recognized by Casey Brefka, L3	Joe, you go above and beyond every time you step on the floor of an event. I know that not passing the L2 exam is discouraging each time, but please don’t give up – I know you can do it, and I know you’ll be a valuable L2 to the region! Keep up your awesome work!
To Joeseph Achille, L1 from USA – Northeast Recognized by Paul Baranay, L3	Joe, good work at ConnectiCon! Also, well done handling a tough situation at SCG Baltimore, as well as crushing side events. No matter what happens, keep pushing towards L2 🙂 <3, BEARZ
To John Alderfer, L3 from USA – Northeast Recognized by Christoper Richter, L4	Honestly there’s not much to say that hasn’t been said or isn’t obvious. You are someone that I like working with simply because I don’t have to monitor you. Having you around as another judge and a friend is invaluable. Thanks!
To John Alderfer, L3 from USA – Northeast Recognized by CJ Crooks, L3	To one of the best event judges I have ever had the pleasure to work with, thank you. Whether you are staying past a shift ended to see “your responsibilities” to the end or helping judges understand why that pairings board just shouldn’t go there, you never stop mentoring everyone around you.
To John Alderfer, L3 from USA – Northeast Recognized by Dan Stephens, L3	John, You are the best leader, mentor, and example that exists in the judge program. Your work ethic and your willingness to help others surpasses that of anyone else. I would say that you’ve contributed more to the success of the GP circuit than anyone else in the world.
To John Alderfer, L3 from USA – Northeast Recognized by Lems, L5	John: Simply attending 100 Grand Prix Events would be an accomplishment in itself. However, you’ve been critical to the success of so many of them. We couldn’t do it without you. Here’s to 100 more? 🙂 – Lems
To John Alderfer, L3 from USA – Northeast Recognized by Nicholas Fang, L3	Being an integral part of the glue of what makes Grand Prix events works, to the extent where people no longer even question who will handle his areas of expertise, while simultaneously being willing and eager to do any other job necessary.
To John Alderfer, L3 from USA – Northeast Recognized by Ryan Dare, L3	John has constantly gone out of his way to make it to Australia to help us with GP events and he has always done this in a happy and positive way, lending his experience and maturity to Australian judges. John, we couldn’t have kept going without you.
To John Alderfer, L3 from USA – Northeast Recognized by Scott Marshall, L5	John, you just continue to show others “how it’s done” through your continued excellence in all aspects of judging. When it comes to “Exemplary”, I think we could just put your picture in the Judges’ Dictionary.
To Katie Ethridge, L1 from USA – Northeast Recognized by Paul Baranay, L3	For perseverance. Keep up the good work! You can do whatever you set your mind to. <3, BEARZ
To Kei Rong, L1 from USA – Northeast Recognized by Casey Brefka, L3	Keith, I was hesitant at first when you wanted to certify, but you have proved me wrong, and been a valuable new addition to the judge community here. Keep up all the good work, you’ve been a great asset to the community!
To Lindsay Burley, L1 from USA – Northeast Recognized by Steven Zwanger, L3	Your seminar at the Columbus judge conference was a topic that most judges know little about, and you used your unique position as both an alterist and a judge to teach the community about the legality of alterations.
To Louis Annino, L2 from USA – Northeast Recognized by Eric Levine, L3	Thanks for being such a strong team member/goal partner at SCG Somerset. Without you I might have met my goal in making sure that we had team meetings in 6 of 8 rounds, but I certainly would not have made it 8 out of 8! We’re a good team – let’s work together again soon!
To Matthew Bevenour, L1 from USA – Northeast Recognized by Shawn Doherty, L3	Matthew, you are seen by your local Magic community as someone to look up to. Your positive, supporting, and friendly demeanor has helped diffuse heated arguments and motivated others to become judges themselves.
To Mike Noss, L2 from USA – Northeast Recognized by Kevin Desprez, L5	Mike, Reviewing higher level judges is never easy, since many believe their remarks wouldn’t be accurate. Well, no matter the level, a judge is a human, and can improve. Thanks for helping me becoming a better judge. Kevin.
To Mike Noss, L2 from USA – Northeast Recognized by Shawn Doherty, L3	Mike, you have a wonderfully upbeat and positive attitude about judging. I can count on you to provide a warm smile and abundant high-fives throughout an event. This attitude can also be seen in your friendliness and compassion to others both in and outside of events.
To Nat Sylva, L1 from USA – Northeast Recognized by Jared Sylva, L4	Nat, Your participation in the Investigations Workshop in Worcester certainly went above and beyond. It made a huge difference to have you there and you were a great help through out the entire process. I know Nicola appreciates your help with his Supplemental Activities and I do too! Jared
To Paul Baranay, L3 from USA – Northeast Recognized by Casey Brefka, L3	Paul, the amount of selfless work you have put into the Northeast Region is unbelievable. Your influence is felt through the entire region, and even into other regions, as your friendly demeanor and energetic spirit are an inspiration to everyone. We would not be where we are today without you.
To Paul Baranay, L3 from USA – Northeast Recognized by David de la Iglesia, L3	Thank you for your outstanding teamwork and general performance as Deck Checks Team Lead at Grand Prix Chicago 2014, implementing the Index system for the first time at a US GP
To Paul Baranay, L3 from USA – Northeast Recognized by Jared Sylva, L4	Paul, I am consistently impressed with your work, dedication, and compassion. I really appreciate your assistance with the Investigations Workshop in DC and Worcester, as well as your excellent insight during Sergio’s panel. I expect great things from you, and I have yet to be disappointed. Jared
To Paul Baranay, L3 from USA – Northeast Recognized by Jason Wong, L3	You constantly exude an air of friendliness that makes it so easy to approach and chat with you about any topic. At the same time, you’re able to turn that around and be the bad-ass conflict resolver when necessary. I strive to do what you make seem so easy.
To Paul Baranay, L3 from USA – Northeast Recognized by Shawn Doherty, L3	Paul, you have been driving force in organizing the region. Your work in creating the regional blog has allowed judges to find the information that you need. You pushed to get the Area Rep program established. Most of all, you have pushed to keep things moving and growing in the region.
To Paul Comeau, L1 from USA – Northeast Recognized by Jason Reedy, L3	Head judged an IQ at Voltage Gaming in CT on 8/23. The store owner contacted me to talk about how smoothly the tournament ran and how good of a job Paul did. He stressed that the tournament could not have been run any better thanks to Paul’s assistance.
To Paul Comeau, L1 from USA – Northeast Recognized by Paul Baranay, L3	Paul, great job with the SCG IQ at Voltage! Keep up the hard work! <3, BEARZ
To Peter Cooper, L2 from USA – Northeast Recognized by Casey Brefka, L3	Peter, in addition to being a long-serving judge, you have been instrumental in working with the local PTOs to help staff and organize big events in our region. It’s a thankless job, and means that you don’t get to judge as much, but it’s essential. Thanks for everything!
To Rick Salamin, L2 from USA – Northeast Recognized by David de la Iglesia, L3	Thank you for your work on the Premier Event Staff Lists & Photos project. Your dedication and efficiency in running the project coordinating staff pictures being taken at Grand Prix worldwide is second to none.
To Sara Sukenik, L2 from USA – Northeast Recognized by Shawn Doherty, L3	Sara, when there was a fire alarm which disrupted some matches which almost done, you were calm in getting everyone out of the venue, while also preserving the match state for a couple of agitated players who felt they were being robbed of a win.
To William Anderson, L2 from USA – Northeast Recognized by Shawn Doherty, L3	Will, you are an example of how to train and certify judges in your area. You will drive to different stores to see candidates. You identify candidates who may not realize they could be judges. You work with and make sure that they are well trained before you test them.