D. Scott Heister

Inducted: 1996

Scott was born in Ohio, grew up in Flint, and has lived in Ann Arbor since 1990. He holds degrees from the University of Michigan-Flint and Marygrove College. After teaching in the Willow Run School District for 22 years, he became Teacher/Leader for the new Ypsilanti Community STEMM Academy. Scott has been honored with numerous awards including University of Michigan Chapter of Sigma Xi, the Scientific Research Society Teacher of the Year in 2012 and Michigan Science Teachers Association (MSTA) High School Science Teacher of the Year in 1999-2000. Scott was introduced to the competitive arts in 1976 when he played trumpet in the Bentley HS Marching Band, and then played soprano bugle with The Cavaliers Drum and Bugle Corps. Since then, he has taught and written drill for many state championship bands. His initiation into the winter guard scene was in 1982, where he was director of West Bloomfield Winter Guard. Scott directed and staged for many successful guards throughout the next 30 plus years including Montrose, Flushing, Linden Wings, Studio One, Ypsilanti Winter Guard and Drumline, and Huron Valley Alliance. His influence on MCGC did not end with the groups he directed and instructed; he served on the board of directors for over 20 years as President, Vice-President and Director-at-Large. His influence in the marching activity continues in ways he could have never envisioned; as his former students are now teaching, directing and judging units in almost every marching competitive arena.