Exemplar 1 - USA - Midwest - The Exemplar Program

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To Aaron Lacluyze, L2 from USA – Midwest Recognized by Toby Elliott, L5	Way to blow away the TL checklist at the GP. If only all TL performances could be as strong and confident as yours was, including the L3s! People could learn a lot from your approach to it.
To Adam Eidelsafy, L2 from USA – Midwest Recognized by Lems, L5	Adam I love your “jump in head first” approach to the judge program. While quite new to the community, you haven’t been hesitant to post questions in the forums, travel great distances to events, and offer your services in any way you can. – Lems
To Adam Eidelsafy, L2 from USA – Midwest Recognized by Matteo Callegari, L3	Adam, your performance in GP Sydney has been awesome and not just because of tasks you completed. You went well beyond by speaking up for learning, by applying an analytical mind to personal improvement and by always understanding the proper time for acting and speaking… that’s great!
To Amanda Stevens, L1 from USA – Midwest Recognized by Tasha Hayashi, L3	Amanda, thank you for continuing to invest time and energy in talking about, and educating on, diversity issues in Magic. I especially appreciated your input about developing safer spaces and your willingness to discuss your experience as a trans* player and judge in the Magic community.
To Andrew Thompson, L2 from USA – Midwest Recognized by David Rappaport, L3	Andrew balances his efforts for the program with a family and a Legal practice. What makes this Exemplary, is that Andrew also manages the membership of the Michigan Magic Judges Facebook group and is an effective caretaker for much of north-northeastern Michigan.
To Anthony Hullings, L2 from USA – Midwest Recognized by Abe Corson, L3	I think of Anthony as having one of the most infectiously positive attitudes I’ve ever had the pleasure of working with. Not only is he always willing and able to handle whatever assignment I ask of him, he always does so with gusto and vigor while never forgetting to smile.
To April King, L2 from USA – Midwest Recognized by Rob McKenzie, L3	April has, in recent history: Built and maintained the Judges Corner in MTG Familiar. Coded a very slick decklist entry tool, with sorting. Run a volunteer “teach kids to play Magic” day at a library for years. These projects deserve a shoutout, and so does April.
To Ashley Coatl, L2 from USA – Midwest Recognized by Ryan Stapleton, L3	For not being afraid to talk about your beliefs. The conversation we had about alternative art has adjusted how strict I am as a HJ.
To Brian Schenck, L2 from USA – Midwest Recognized by David Rappaport, L3	Thank you Brian for tireless and often thankless work maintaining the Judge Center functions. Every time I have brought an issue or a concern to you, it has been handled quickly, effectively, and with a minimum of fuss. For Judges, like me, who are not too savvy with technology; it is nice to have the support of Brian who can respond to our needs and not make us feel ignorant for the asking.
To Carl McCormick, L1 from USA – Midwest Recognized by John Alderfer, L3	For providing opportunities for many judges at Empire and pushing development.
To Carl Wilt, L1 from USA – Midwest Recognized by Dan Stephens, L3	Carl, Thanks for everything you’ve done to grow the judge community in Fort Wayne. I’m sorry I never made it up to your regular judge meetings, but I hear they are fantastic.
To Carsten Haese, L2 from USA – Midwest Recognized by Gavin Duggan, L3	Carsten is patient, helpful, generous, and friendly. His contributions to magicjudges.org are prominent (both as developer and manager), but he’s also active as a rules guru and promotes an inordinate amount of charity work… he’s one of those judges I try to emulate.
To Carsten Haese, L2 from USA – Midwest Recognized by James Bennett, L3	Thanks for taking the lead not only on the judegapps development project, but especially on making it easier for new members — your work on documentation and easy development setup has been nothing short of amazing.
To Carsten Haese, L2 from USA – Midwest Recognized by Lems, L5	Carsten: Your management of the JudgeApps developers has been wonderful. Your monthly reports are thorough and helpful, and you’ve been quite successful in helping new judges get involved. – Lems
To Carsten Haese, L2 from USA – Midwest Recognized by Scott Marshall, L5	Carsten, I’m sure you know there’s a lot of appreciation for all you do for the Program through your work with JudgeApps. I love that you just quietly go about getting things done, no boasting, just efficient accomplishment – and that’s Exemplary, indeed!
To Carsten Haese, L2 from USA – Midwest Recognized by Toby Elliott, L5	Thanks for being such a reliable and patient rules source for all the crazy corners, both publicly and internally. It’s always useful to know there’s someone online who can find the weird card that breaks my crazier policy ideas.
To Chris White, L1 from USA – Midwest Recognized by David Rappaport, L3	Chris has in very short time become notable for his efforts in the Ann Arbor area of Michigan. Aside from regular judge activity he has been essential in helping organize a major charity event at his local store. I look forward to Chris connecting more with his Community to see his contributions improve and expand.
To Christopher Richter, L4 from USA – Midwest Recognized by Gavin Duggan, L3	Chris has been, over the years, a patient and helpful mentor. He’s been open minded with ideas, and willing to share advice both personal and professional. He’s always cheerful, even when he’s being serious… working with him is almost always informative and enjoyable.
To Christopher Richter, L4 from USA – Midwest Recognized by Jeremy Behunin, L3	Your patience when trying to explain to an unreasonable player why he’s responsible for his own deck in Portland amazed me. It’s tough to stand there while someone makes unreasonable demands after the staff did a great job returning his card to him.
To Christopher Richter, L4 from USA – Midwest Recognized by Toby Elliott, L5	Thanks for bringing such a data-driven approach to your sphere. It’s something we often lack, and it’s really helped us get a grip on the role of the L3 (and individual success at it).
To Craig Reeder, L2 from USA – Midwest Recognized by Lems, L5	Craig: Your willingness to jump right into JudgeApps development has been amazing: tackling tickets, participating in discussions, and even building and sharing a Virtual Machine! It’s great to have you on board. – Lems
To David Rappaport, L3 from USA – Midwest Recognized by Ryan Stapleton, L3	For being persent in tough times where you were not sure what was next. You followed what you wanted and the program will stronger for it. Helping me balance when I needed it.
To Erik Olson, L1 from USA – Midwest Recognized by Rob McKenzie, L3	Erik is an unsung hero of downtown Minneapolis. He manages a downtown store, and that store produces Judges at a very steady clip. Erik has built out community roots, and gives people a great place to play and Judge.
To James Elliott, L2 from USA – Midwest Recognized by Steven Briggs, L3	It is not just what you do with planning a judge conference or event judging or discussion on the Midwest Facebook group, but it’s the level of contribution and energy you put into these contributions that makes a difference. Thank you! Briggs
To James Hooker, L1 from USA – Midwest Recognized by Ryan Stapleton, L3	For being a long part of the program and being a good person to talk to about life experiences and what is important.
To Jarrod Williams, L2 from USA – Midwest Recognized by Steven Briggs, L3	You have grown so much so fast in terms of your visibility and leadership in the region. Kentucky is turning every week into a stronger and stronger part of the Midwest in terms of judge numbers and expertise. Thank you for your incredible work as Regional Captain of Kentucky! Briggs
To Jason Lemahieu, L5 from USA – Midwest Recognized by Christoper Richter, L4	This is a bit meta, but in a very large part the Exemplar program exists because of the insight and inspiration that you provided. The creation of the program is in large part due to your ideas. And I couldn’t let this go unnoticed.
To Jason Lemahieu, L5 from USA – Midwest Recognized by Eric Levine, L3	Thanks for your article and continued communication about the exemplar program. In this time of many changes, you’re providing stability and clarity within one of the newly volatile parts of the program. You’re good at change management – keep doing it!
To Jason Lemahieu, L5 from USA – Midwest Recognized by Joel Krebs, L3	Lems, there are many high level judges, that inspired me in some way and that I could recognize. But you provided me with something that goes beyond the Judge Program and I am very grateful for that! Working with WordPress is still fun as it was at the first day.
To Jason Lemahieu, L5 from USA – Midwest Recognized by Juan Del Compare, L3	For years the judge community has been in need of an internet hub. You provided it with Apps and the Blogs, and inspire people around you to use and improve it.
To Jason Lemahieu, L5 from USA – Midwest Recognized by Sean Catanese, L4	For your guidance of the Exemplar Program, from design through to execution, including direct personal guidance of our efforts to communicate this to the world. And for your dedication to ensuring we have a program such as this to make the best use of all our opportunities. Thank you!
To Jennifer LaCluyze, L2 from USA – Midwest Recognized by Abe Corson, L3	I want to recognize Jennifer specifically for her efforts at Grand Prix and SCG Open side events. I can recall a handful on instances from this year alone where she did a noticeably great job not only with the side events themselves, but also in maintaining a positive attitude when dealing with what some would consider a grueling assignment (Friday grinders at a GP, 8-mans, etc.). Her ability to stay focused and organized in a chaotic environment has been very helpful.
To Jeremy Tomacooper, L1 from USA – Midwest Recognized by David Rappaport, L3	Jeremy was tireless in his promotion and management for the “Force of Community” Event. This event was held as three different format tournaments at three different locations. Jeremy was able to acquire donations and participants that improved the event itself, and demonstrated the possibility for continuing annual effort.
To John McCarthy, L2 from USA – Midwest Recognized by Abe Corson, L3	I’m very proud of John and what he’s accomplished since advancing to level 2 this year. In this short time, he’s managed to make a name for himself as a hard worker, knowledgeable judge, and reliable resource. John has clearly put a lot of work into developing his skills and experience while at the same time offering the promise of even more years of solid development. The region is lucky to have him.
To Ken Bearl, L2 from USA – Midwest Recognized by Rob McKenzie, L3	Ken has been seeding Judges across northern MN for the last six months since he made L2. Running classes, arranging a judge gathering/mini-conference in Duluth, and he has just stepped up as state captain. Awesome work, Ken.
To Lexie Mettler, L2 from USA – Midwest Recognized by David Lyford-Smith, L3	Lexie, you were willing to dive right in to the deep end of article writing with me on a big issue almost straight off the bat of becoming Level 2. That was awesome and working with you really helped raise my enthusiasm for getting writing again myself.
To Martha Lufkin, L2 from USA – Midwest Recognized by Abe Corson, L3	Martha has more experience with and time in the program than just about any other judge. I’ve always been a big fan of her work, having advocated for her to be included on staff for events in the area whenever possible. Of particular note to me has been her solid-as-a-rock “slow and steady approach” to dealing with stressful challenges. Martha always takes time to slow down and think and consult her notes when asked a tough rules question, and unfailingly puts a lot of planning into a team lead assignment or other positions of responsibility. I’m always glad to work with her.
To Matt Sauers, L2 from USA – Midwest Recognized by Dan Stephens, L3	Matt, Thank you for all the work you’ve done in Indianapolis. You’ve stepped up to HJ PTQs, mentor local judges, and work with some difficult organizers. I love your attitude and your unwillingness to put up with BS, and your enthusiasm for the true spirit of gaming.
To Mike Combs, L2 from USA – Midwest Recognized by Rob McKenzie, L3	Mike recently started managing a store in the south metro, and while he could staff every with just the two L2s on staff, he is not. He is bringing in Judges, getting events well staffed, and pushing out skills training into the community while driving competitive play at his store.
To Nicolette Apraez, L1 from USA – Midwest Recognized by Dan Stephens, L3	Nicolette, Your positive attitude and enthusiasm for the game is a boon to every event you attend. I can’t say enough about the great work you’ve done.
To Nicolette Apraez, L1 from USA – Midwest Recognized by Steven Briggs, L3	It’s evident in how you communicate that you care deeply about great events. At a recent Open, you goofed on a ruling, but you immediately took ownership and fixed it with the players without any other help. This type of confidence at that level is unusual and terrific. Steven
To Nita Flaskerud, L1 from USA – Midwest Recognized by Rob McKenzie, L3	Nita has been one of the co-runners of a Judge class down in Rochester, Minnesota. She broke trail in the Judge community in Rochester, as the first L1 in the city, and is pushing her growth as a competitive and larger event judge.
To Rachel Connelly, L1 from USA – Midwest Recognized by Steven Briggs, L3	You have done tremendous work to improve the community you are in. From working with local TO’s, running community outreach efforts and collaboration with area high schools, you are creating safe places for Magic. This work is extraordinary and worthy of special merit.
To Rob McKenzie, L3 from USA – Midwest Recognized by Steven Briggs, L3	Your efforts and results in your L2 development work has been terrific. Between that, your contributions to various online projects, and marshaling a sizable chunk of the Midwest, your overall impact on the region and its membership is exemplary. Thank you for all you do, Number One! Briggs
To Sam Robinson, L1 from USA – Midwest Recognized by Steven Briggs, L3	You are stalwart at big events, with great rules knowledge and an amazing work ethic to match. The positive, genuine enthusiasm you have for judging and the game lifts the people around you. You are a terrific example of how respect toward others and the game can impact the success of an event.
To Stefan Mackiewicz, L2 from USA – Midwest Recognized by Christoper Richter, L4	I can’t thank you enough for what you’ve done of the local community and the way you’ve stepped up. You’ve become a center point for the state, and deservedly so. Please keep it up, and don’t hesitates to ask for help too when needed.
To Stephen Hagan, L2 from USA – Midwest Recognized by Dan Stephens, L3	Stephen, I can’t say enough about how great you’ve done stepping up as a leader in your area. You’re doing amazing work at events and with the upcoming conference, and you’ve been a voice of reason on facebook and in the forums. Keep it up, you’re killing it.
To Steven Briggs, L3 from USA – Midwest Recognized by Christoper Richter, L4	For quite a long time, even before RCs I was very busy doing some of the things that RCs do now. I am very happy that the judges in this region (which is a lot larger now) are being taken care of (and in more ways) by someone of your caliber. Keep it up!
To Steven Briggs, L3 from USA – Midwest Recognized by Dan Stephens, L3	Steven, Thanks for stepping up and taking over my half of the region. You are an unending source of inspiration and enthusiasm.
To Steven Briggs, L3 from USA – Midwest Recognized by David Rappaport, L3	Steven is more than an RC to us. Steven is our role model, our friend, and our rocket-powered jet pack. What sets Steve apart in my opinion is his attention. One may expect great things from an RC in the program, but Steve does a great deal even by that standard and yet still has time to talk to his constituents. Steven Briggs is an Exemplar for me in areas that I may never be strong, but he will tell me I can. I will believe it, and that is what makes him remarkable.
To Steven Briggs, L3 from USA – Midwest Recognized by John Alderfer, L3	For taking on the insane task of too many insane tasks
To Steven Briggs, L3 from USA – Midwest Recognized by Kevin Binswanger, L3	Your region has always been a model for me. I appreciate that you share your structure and give tips on how to apply them for the different circumstances. It would be easy for the scope of your challenges to discourage you, but instead you’ve turned it into something positive for the program.
To Steven Briggs, L3 from USA – Midwest Recognized by Lems, L5	Steven: Your Lunch ‘n Learn is a great demonstration of active mentoring. You’re doing an amazing job of spreading your knowledge while fostering a community of learners. – Lems
To Thomas Fritz, L2 from USA – Midwest Recognized by Steven Briggs, L3	I am so impressed by your judge classes and other educational efforts in helping Kentucky become a much stronger state for officiating, including 4 new judges. The contributions you have made in such a short time have been exemplary, and I hope other L2’s take notice. Thank you! Briggs
To Tom Frawley, L2 from USA – Midwest Recognized by David Rappaport, L3	Tom has been maintaining the Michigan Magic community in the northern suburbs of Detroit-Metro Area. That area had been largely under served previously. The community has seen great growth for Tom’s effort. Tom supports multiple stores and has assisted in educating and certifying a few additional judges for the area. As this is the home territory for our beloved 5Emeritus Mike Guptil, I am grateful for Judge Frawley’s example.
To Travis Traxler, L1 from USA – Midwest Recognized by David Rappaport, L3	Travis took over the Battle Creek Michigan Magic community when Judge Robert Towers relocated. It is not easy to step into shoes as large as Judge Towers’. Travis has distinguished himself in developing new Judges in the area and assisting a re-invigoration of events and retail enterprise in the area.
To Zach Rivers, L1 from USA – Midwest Recognized by Rob McKenzie, L3	Zach gave one of the best presentations at the Minneapolis Judge Conference last winter, about a topic that is difficult for even higher level judges to address, Unsporting Conduct, and everyone (including me!) learned a ton from this.