On February 16th, 2016, Stanley and Sue Trissell suddenly lost their son Anthony Trissell. A memorial fund was set up by his classmates and their parents for donations to cover the cost of funeral expenses. 

Anthony was 16 years old, a sophomore at Vandalia Butler High School and one of the lead drummers for the marching band and Drumline. He was a wonderful child who brought smiles to others, he was a big spirit who is greatly missed every day.

A year later, March 2017, funds were established in a 501(c)3 non-profit organization to:

1) encourage young members of the Butler High School marching band, color guard, kickline and their directors. 

2) to de-stigmatize mental health issues.  

​

Our MARCH ON program is a way of honoring the life of a gifted & talented Butler HS student, Anthony Trissell. With community support and sponsorships, such as what Avon provides, the Anthony Trissell Memorial Foundation was formed. The foundation gives back to the Butler High School Marching Band that Anthony Trissell so loved. Through the fundraising efforts,  we feed the Butler HS marching band, color guard and kickline before each home football game. The ATMF started an alumni marching band which performs during Homecoming. The ATMF also awards senior scholarships each May. Additional donations have been used to provide at-risk youth with instruments and instrument repairs. Each spring the ATMF supports the Elevate the Arts (this event allows students of Demmitt Elementary, Helke Elementary, Smith Elementary, and Morton Middle School to showcase their Visual Artwork and music performance).