“He had a presence that commanded respect”
That was how Emporia High Choral Director Sarah Bays remembered former long-time Director Don Grant who passed away this weekend. Bays says her time as a student under Grant was extremely special for her and her classmates as her four years in high school were also the final four years of Grant’s teaching career.
Bays says Grant was the main impact that led to her current career path.
Grant passed away Saturday and was suffering from COVID-19 at the time, however, it is unclear if that contributed to his death.
Grant spent over 40 years in education during which time he led the transition of the annual Emporia Christmas Program into the Seasonal Celebration in the mid 90’s.
Grant directed the EHS choir from 1967 until his retirement in 2004.
A GoFundMe to establish the Don Grant Memorial Scholarship fund for Emporia High Students has been set up. You can access the GoFundMe page by clicking here.
A virtual choir concert is also currently in development and will feature former students of Grant. The choir will consist of several pre-recorded performances from several students of Grant and is being organized by his son Cameron.
If you are a former student and would like to contribute to the virtual choir please find the Don Grant Virtual Choir page on Facebook.
Funeral arrangements are pending.
