Founded by Catherine Kranitz in memory of her son to provide grants for the support the Visual and Performing Arts Department of Linganore High School.
Nick was a sensitive, gentle, creative spirit, who was a musician in his heart. Music was central to his life from his early years playing piano beside his grandma to playing percussions in middle school, to marching band, concert orchestra and jazz ensemble at Linganore High School. After high school he continued his music – playing in various bands and traveling to places like Serbia where he played alongside renowned jazz musicians. He loved all music genres but was especially drawn to jazz and African music.
Nick died in December of 2018, from pneumonia and a rare strain of malaria he contracted while visiting Africa. He was a gentle and compassionate soul with an amazing sense of humor. He worked to help others overcome addiction by sharing his own struggles and success. Nick loved life to its fullest. He started every day with the thought that life is good, “be thankful for yours regardless of your struggles. Life is a journey to be lived and loved. Don’t worry about the future, that is for God only to know, live in the present moment.”