Above: Michael D. Sewell

The Michael D. Sewell Memorial Foundation was founded in 2017 as a 501(c)(3) organization to enhance, support, and assist the arts in and around the Pickerington and Central Ohio area, with special consideration given to Pickerington Local Schools and Pickerington Community Arts organizations. The organization also assists at a national level for specially considered musical efforts. It was founded in memory of long-time Pickerington Band Director Michael D. Sewell, who dedicated his life to the music programs in Pickerington and the Central Ohio area for more than 38 years. Mike’s vision put Pickerington on the national map and has forged connections between generations of students and musicians that will live on in his memory.

The Foundation is the sponsor of The Tournament of Roses® Michael D. Sewell Service Through Music Award. This award was organized by the Sewell family and the Foundation as a way to honor Mike’s dedication to using music with his students and groups to encourage service in their schools, the community, and across the country. The award was implemented for the 2018 Rose Parade bands by Tournament of Roses President Lance Tibbet and Vice-President Gerald Freeny. The award is presented each year at the annual Band Director’s Recognition Breakfast and is awarded to a participating Rose Parade band that exhibits excellence in service both on and off the field. The Foundation awards a plaque designed with a special marching formation of the Pickerington Central and North Bands spelling out SEWELL, one-of-a-kind trading pins for the winning band and staff, and a $500 stipend. 

The Michael D. Sewell Memorial Foundation is a charitable organization under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.