The Madison Scouts Drum & Bugle Corps and the Madison Scouts Alumni Association are proud to announce the induction of seven extraordinary individuals into the Madison Scouts Hall of Fame, Class of 2025. These honorees—Ollie Mae Banks, Henry Barney, Chris (Metzger) Forbes, Barb Loeffelholz, Patricia “Pat” Omilianowski, Doug Tholo, and Edward “E.B.” Matthews—have made remarkable and lasting contributions to the Madison Scouts organization and the broader drum corps community.

Ollie Mae Banks (1924–1992) is remembered as the original culinary force behind the Madison Scouts’ touring kitchen from 1980 to 1991. Long before modern mobile kitchens, she and her partner “Kool-Aid Mary” cooked meals for over 150 corps members and staff out of grocery store parking lots and high school cafeterias. Known for her signature phrase “Eat dem heels” and her fierce loyalty, Ollie Mae doubled as a peacemaker and protector, often resolving disputes and shielding the corps from outside trouble. Her home was a haven for countless Scouts. As the sister of one of the corps’ founding drum majors, E.B. Matthews, her family’s legacy is deeply intertwined with that of the Madison Scouts.

Henry Barney began volunteering in the mid-1970s while on summer break from teaching elementary school science. Known for his ability to pick up and play almost any instrument, Henry channeled his musical passion into nearly four decades of service to the Madison Scouts in merchandise sales, food prep, and logistical support. Alongside Pat Omilianowski and Barb Loeffelholz, he led the souvenir crew from 1984 to 2006 and later assisted with the cook crew well into the 2020s. Henry also played a key role in early alumni and booster initiatives. He passed away in April 2025, leaving behind a legacy of selfless service and camaraderie.

Christopher (Metzger) Forbes is hailed as one of the most iconic soloists in Madison Scouts history. Marching from 1971 to 1977, he etched his name into corps lore with unforgettable soprano solos in “God Bless the Child,” “Rhapsody in Blue,” “MacArthur Park,” and “The Way We Were.” Forbes later served on the brass staff and arranged classics like “Numero Uno” and “Strawberry Soup.” Inducted into the Bugler’s Hall of Fame in 2012, Chris continues to represent the Scouts through alumni ensembles and performances at benefit events such as “Rockin’ for a Cure.”

Barb Loeffelholz began her service in the late 1970s, supporting her sons in the Junior Scouts. As they advanced to the Madison Scouts, Barb’s volunteerism expanded—first through the “souvie crew” and later through her legendary flag-making partnership with Pat Omilianowski. Together, they crafted nearly every flag used by the corps for two decades, including the massive piano flag from the 1985 show. Barb also housed members between tours, helped modernize merchandise offerings, worked for Drum Corps World, and served as the corps’ office manager before retiring after the 2006 season.

Patricia “Pat” Omilianowski was another pillar of the volunteer corps. Joining in 1977, Pat contributed her time and talents in countless ways—cooking, sewing, and managing the important growth of the corps’ merchandise operations. With Barb Loeffelholz, she formed one half of the most productive flag-making duo in corps history, crafting show materials for nearly twenty years. She also embraced innovation, investing in embroidery equipment to expand souvenir offerings. Pat’s devotion continued well beyond her son’s marching years, serving the corps until 2006. She passed away in 2014 at age 71.

Doug Tholo has served the Madison Scouts in almost every conceivable capacity: performer, drum major, instructor, visual designer, board member, and alumni leader. From his start in the junior corps in 1969 through his role in designing drill from 1982 to 1986, Doug’s creative and leadership fingerprints are all over the organization. He helped lead the acclaimed 2006 MSARP and represented the corps in high-profile events like the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. His induction recognizes a lifetime of passionate, multifaceted service.

Edward “E.B.” Matthews, a founding member of the Madison Scouts in 1938, holds the distinction of being one of the corps’ first drum majors. A natural leader from the beginning, E.B.’s impact extends beyond performance—he broke racial barriers that helped shape the Scouts’ inclusive legacy. His induction alongside his sister Ollie Mae Banks marks a celebration of both individual excellence and familial contribution. E.B. passed away in 2013, but his memory lives on in the corps he helped shape from the very beginning.

The Hall of Fame Class of 2025 will be formally inducted at the Drums on Parade event on Friday, July 25, at Middleton High School. These honorees represent the heart and soul of the Madison Scouts—individuals who led, served, taught, inspired, and sacrificed for generations of performers. Their names are now permanently etched into the legacy they helped build.