Editor’s Note: This article is part of our series of highlighted exemplar recognitions. See our introduction post for all the details, or view all the posts in this series.

Michael Ellingson is a Level 1 Judge from Clio, Michigan. He was recognized this wave for his drive at self-improvement and supporting the local community as both judge and organizer. Here is what was said about Michael’s efforts:

“One of the hardest aspects of what we do is to recognize your deficiencies and improve upon them. Michael, every time I work with you, you always have a great moment to share with me from your road of self-improvement. The amount of effort that you’ve put into our local community has not only highlighted your role as a local TO and judge, but that effort has shone a spotlight on just how far you’ve come with your ability to lead in our local community. Your performance at the SCG States weekend back in October, both with interacting with players and managing your time between the floor and the store, made me realize the amount of care you take to ensure that The Stadium is a great place for every person to come play at.”

Here is what Andy Thompson, a local L2, had to say:

“Mike has been involved with Magic at the Stadium in Bay City since the cards were delivered on dinosaur-back.  As a tournament organizer, judge, social media guru, and Photoshop wizard, he has been instrumental in building a great community of Magic players at the Stadium in Bay City and throughout the Tri-Cities.  The local Magic scene wouldn’t be what it is today without Mike’s hard work and sense of humor.”