Phillip Mink, KHS ’72 graduate, has fond memories of his formative years in Kosciusko.
He especially remembers two tremendous teachers, math teacher Flora Mae Jordan, and band director Mickey Grove as having a huge impact on his life. As a matter of fact, Mr. Grove was such a large influence on him that Mink has made a significant contribution to the Skipworth Performing Arts Center project in honor of Grove.
“Mr. Grove had a tremendous effect on my life. He was a great leader who led with both kindness and skill; he made band enjoyable. We were willing to practice because he was so inspiring,” said Mink.
During Mink’s junior year, five of the Big Red Band members made Lion’s Band.
“That is a remarkable achievement for a small town,” Mink said.
A graduate of Ole Miss Law School, Mink went on to the University of Virginia on a writing scholarship.
“The writing took a clear skill set, and I knew the routine to develop excellence. I learned that from Mr. Grove,” Mink said.
Music has remained an important part of Mink’s life, and he has constantly played music around his house.
“We were listening to it all the time, and my daughter Rachel is now a serious musician. She now attends the Peabody Conservatory, one of the top conservatories in the country, if not the world,” said Mink.
Mink and classmate Mike Brunt have donated $10,000 each to kick off fundraising for Grove Hall, the foyer of the planned Skipworth Performing Arts Center. The foyer will be more than an entrance lobby; it will showcase band leaders throughout the decades of the KHS Band.
“Mr. Grove was band director for 20 years at KHS, and Mike and I want to challenge all of those Grove students to donate what they can to this worthwhile project,” Mink said. “Our ultimate goal for this project is $150,000, which will honor both the town and Mr. Grove. There is a lot to say about Mr. Grove, but one can never say enough!”
