Ian’s Legacy

Ian's Legacy Foundation was created in 2019 after the death of our son, Ian Minnick, at age 22 on March 18, 2019.  The outpouring of love and the need for his family, friends and community members to "do" something was the catalyst. The Foundation awards scholarships and grants in music and the arts and also contributes to other nonprofits which educate and support families and individuals with substance use disorders.

A 2015 graduate of Riverside High School, Ian was a percussionist in the Symphonic Band, the Percussion and Squad Leader on snare drum in the Riverside Regiment, in the pep band, and the pit band for various musicals. Ian was the recipient of the Regiment Best in Class and Best Male Musician as voted on by the Regiment for multiple years. He was also the recipient of the John Phillips Sousa Award and the U.S. Marines' "Semper Fidelis" Award for Musical Excellence his senior year. Ian's high school senior project was to perform and record each drum cadence for future Regiment Drumlines to hear and learn.​

Outside of school, Ian took voice, guitar, piano and percussion lessons and participated in the Riverside Community Talent Show and Pfabe’s Rock School for many years. For multiple years, Ian attended a Recording Camp at Bowling Green State University’s Summer Music Institute. Ian was the guitarist in Chil, an alternative rock band based in Stow, for nine years. He collaborated with his band writing music and lyrics, recording music videos, designing logos and maintaining their online presence. Chil recorded many original songs and ultimately recorded their last EP with Ian at the historical Motor Museum in Liverpool, England.

While in high school and then as a student at Kent State University, Ian participated in various movies by acting, filming and as a sound technician. Ian attended Kent State University studying Digital Media Production, focusing on sound.

Ian had been a 6th grade camp counselor and a high school band ambassador for middle school students. Ian taught guitar and percussion to many Riverside students and returned to Band Camp each year to help teach the drum line. By being involved with younger students in these ways, he has had a lasting impact even after graduating from Riverside.

The Ian Minnick Memorial Scholarship offers a $1,000 renewable award (for up to 4 years) to a graduating senior who is pursuing a post-secondary education in music, digital media production, voice, dance, drama, photography or any other art form not mentioned. Applicants may attend a traditional two or four year college or university, but may also attend a technical, dance or art school or academy. 

The Foundation also awards mini scholarships to students entering their senior year and below. As Ian did at Pfabe's Rock School and BGSU's Summer Music Institute, voice, piano, guitar and drum lessons, these scholarships are for participation in arts programs during the summer. Amounts and number of summer scholarships awarded will vary yearly depending upon the number of applicants.

The Foundation continues Ian’s Legacy by inspiring others to follow their passions and express themselves in the creative arts.

Kelly and Bill Minnick