Linn P. Kanitz Memorial Scholarship

Linn Kanitz loved music!  He played lead trombone in Alma High School’s band and received the Louis Armstrong Award in recognition of his musicianship, dependability, loyalty and cooperation.  Linn, Kevin Smith and others performed in a band known locally as “The Blues Brothers.”  They even performed on stage at the Chesaning Showboat.

Linn graduated from Alma High School in 1981 and died only three months later in a tragic motorcycle accident.  To honor his memory and love of music, Linn’s late father, Gene, created this scholarship to provide students throughout Gratiot County who love music as much as Linn with the opportunity to experience band camp.  In Gene Kanitz’s words about Linn, “He loved life and people, he loved to share with deep caring.”  This scholarship will be an everlasting testament to Linn’s love of music and community.