Mr. and Ms. Madison honored

By Katie Thisdell, staff writer
Posted on October 29, 2007

The nominees, decked out in their most spirited purple and gold attire, stood on the sidelines as the Marching Royal Dukes finished their performance during halftime at Saturday’s Homecoming Game, awaiting the announcement of this year’s Mr. and Ms. Madison. The announcer called each finalist’s name before declaring the winner.

Friends and roommates Chris Ellis and Shannon Thacher were speechless as they walked onto the field to receive their sashes and plaques between camera flashes and cheering in the stands.

“I’m just really happy,” Thacher said. “Since you don’t campaign or anything for this title, that really makes it worth it.”

Ellis added, “I don’t think that this is necessarily something you want and try to get. It’s more of an honor than anything else.”

Over 500 students voted on the commons Thursday for the senior they felt best represented the university. Organizations on campus nominated members to apply for the award. From there the nominees completed an application and an interview. The eight finalists  were chosen by the Mr. and Ms. Madison committee.

Lindsay Dowd, chair of the Mr. and Ms. Madison committee, described the significance of the Mr. and Ms. Madison title.

“They embody what JMU means,” Dowd said. “They are involved in numerous organizations, do community service and are usually pretty visible and known on campus.”

Both winners have extensive lists of organizations they belong to. Ellis was the student orientation coordinator this year, and has been a first year orientation guide (FROG) and orientation program assistant (OPA).

He also works with SafeRides and is a new brother in Sigma Phi Epsilon. Ellis is a Business Management major with a Music minor and was nominated for Mr. Madison by Alpha Kappa Psi, the professional business fraternity.

Thacher was also involved with orientation as a FROG and OPA. She is a Student Ambassador and works with Big Brothers Big Sisters. Her sorority, Tri Delta, nominated her for Ms. Madison.

“I like to get involved for the personal challenge and to step outside of what I’m comfortable with,” Thacher said. “It has changed me for the better and tested me too.”

Ellis was initially placed on the waitlist for JMU admission.

“After I got in, that really motivated me to prove that I belonged here,” Ellis said. “But I never thought I’d have such a visible role here.”

Ellis also believes that the majority of learning in college happens outside of the classroom.

“Being involved pushes you to be a better student and person in general, especially when it’s something you’re passionate about,” Ellis said. “It also leads to personal growth.”

Thacher agreed.

“It’s easy just to be comfortable, but it’s great to get involved and look into new things that you haven’t done before that can impact your life,” she said. “There are so many opportunities and things to do here, and that’s what makes JMU.”

Thacher said her life changed when she went on an Alternative Spring Break to Nashville last spring. After working with Somalian refugees, she learned the importance of taking action and facing challenges.

“This definitely encouraged me to go into education,” Thacher said.

She is an interdisciplinary liberal studies major with a minor in elementary education. Next year she plans to finish her graduate degree  at JMU and teach.

Ellis said that his involvement has also changed his life.

“I am a completely different person now than I was in high school,” he said. “The orientation program has been a turning point in my life to make me who I am now. I owe a lot to it.”

Both Thacher and Ellis still have time for personal activities despite their extensive involvement. Thacher enjoys baking and singing, while Ellis likes reading and hanging out with his friends at the Earth & Tea Café.

With their new recognition, they may have even less time as they become figureheads for the school.

“We’ll just go with it this year,” Thacher said.