UPDATE: Great News! Now that we have reached the goal of funding the physical needs for the tree, stone marker, and the AV expense for the 60th Messiah performance, we’re going to pivot toward support of the Bill and Ann Grace Scholarship Fund. The original goal was $2500 for those physical needs. Having received such a great response to that, we wanted to open the door to paying the love forward to future students at OPHS. Please help us do that if you can.

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If you knew Bill (Papa G) Grace, or were taught and directed by him, you know the monumental impact he left on so many hearts and lives throughout his teaching career and beyond. We think you’ll agree his legacy is worthy of celebration and commemoration at Oak Park High School. Please help us if you can.

This commemoration project has a three-fold purpose, some of which is shared here. And some which can only be completely revealed later at the OPHS performance of Handel’s Messiah on December 14, 2024.

First, this project is to leave a tangible symbol at Oak Park High School, celebrating this very special teacher and mentor. Second, it is to create an unique capstone experience to the 60th anniversary performance of Handel’s Messiah, at Oak Park. And third, frankly we are hoping to fulfill a wish that Bill himself had for his own celebration of life service — but was impossible to accomplish at the time due to the physical limitations of that church. Bill had always intended for this element to be a sweet surprise for the attendees, so at this performance we intend to honor that wish.

As to the tangible symbol, we have been working with the school to have a tree planted in Papa G’s honor in the courtyard of the school. Details regarding tree choice and placement are now being finalized. With the tree we will also place a commemorative etched stone marker.

A special video component is being made for the school’s 60th and final performance of Handel’s Messiah. While the production of the video is being donated, a commercial grade video projector and screen need to be rented, set up, and operated on the date of that performance.

The total cost of the tree and its planting, the stone marker, and the required audiovisual equipment is estimated at approximately $2400. Any funds raised beyond these needs will be donated to the Bill and Ann Grace Scholarship Fund at Oak Park High School.

Funds are needed by November 25 to ensure timely planting of the tree and to reserve the necessary projection equipment during this busy Holiday season.

This project is made possible through the help and cooperation of: Dr. Molly Smith, Principal OPHS, Chris Droegemueller, Vocal Music Director OPHS, Gretchen Grace Harrison OPHS class of 1982, Alan Moon OPHS class of 1971 and former Orchestra Director OPHS, and Jim Kersten OPHS class of 1978.

Please help us celebrate Mr. Grace AND help us close the great tradition of alumni performances of Handel’s Messiah at Oak Park High School in the manner it deserves.

If you have questions, feel free to contact Jim Kersten

Thank you.