I'd like to thank the academy.......

I am deeply honored to receive this award and to join the ranks of, among others, my sister Andrea, Steve Malionek, Kathy Lague, the Paros, Ron and Janice Dallas, and Nancy and Bill Burdine. The Sudbury Savoyards have been a part of my life for many, many years. I have formed many new and close friendships through this group - it has become a sort of social extension of my life.

When I started with the Savoyards back in the early 70's, I was on the stage and behind the scenes with many of my friends' parents - a weird but interesting experience. I'm happy to see some of them are STILL active members of this organization! I was an active member of the church, participating in the youth group - the Methodist Youth Fellowship. In 1972 a group of us decided to join the Savoyards on the stage and we performed in1973's Pirates of Penzance. What a great time we had! Thus I was hooked.....

I missed several years here and there after I graduated from high school, but with continuing prodding from Andrea of how much fun she was having, I came back full-force for the 1995 performance of The Mikado. My long-time boyfriend had passed away suddenly during rehearsals for that show, which was very difficult for me, but I found comfort and friendship from my cast members and was able to make it through. I have participated in some way every year since then.

Many of you know that fund raising is a passion for me, both here and with Save A Dog, and what better way to raise money while having fun at the same time! I encourage all of you to tap into your creative inner resources and bring new ideas to the Savoyards, participate however you can, and continue the tradition of supporting the mission statement of the organization which is to put on a great show, have a good time, and raise money for World Hunger Relief.

Donna Roessler
2013 Yeomen of Regard Honoree
March 2, 2013