In 1966, Glen Leib began teaching in the Donegal School District. For the next 33 years, he influenced countless students with his enthusiasm and passion for music. He directed the concert band and marching band, taking his students on performance trips in Mexico City, Quebec, Nashville, Orlando and the Gimbels Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City. He was also heavily involved with the Donegal Alumni Band.

When Glen passed away in July at the age of 81, a former student and friend decided to honor the man who had made a difference in the lives of so many. Tom Miller, who is a member of the Donegal Alumni Band, helped to form a scholarship committee in Glen's name. He also worked to raise money for a bench that was dedicated in Glen's honor at a Donegal football game earlier this fall.

"He was a funny, outgoing guy," Miller said of Glen. "He was a leader. Many people characterized him as a legend and a friend."

A 1973 Donegal graduate, Miller played trumpet under Glen's direction. In the Alumni Band, he stayed in touch with his musical mentor and the two became good friends.

Miller noted that Glen envisioned the Donegal Alumni Band becoming a large presence in the community. "It was his dream to have 100-plus people in the Mount Joy Memorial Day parade," Miller said. "We're hoping to make that happen next year."

Miller, who is on a benefit committee with another local organization, said he got the idea for the bench after reading an article in a motorcycle magazine.

"It was about benches that could be created in people's memory," he recalled. "I found out who makes them, and I thought this would be something we could do to honor Mr. Leib."

He began collecting donations from friends, family and other community members, and he gathered some of Glen's family together for the bench presentation. He hopes to have the bench installed on school property in the Donegal School District once he has district approval.

"We also have plans to start a scholarship in his name," Miller noted, adding that Glen would appreciate influencing the future of Donegal students for years to come.

Glen was married to his wife, Joanne, for 52 years. They had two children and two grandchildren. Outside of his position as a music teacher, he was a member of the Elizabethtown Lions Club, Ashara-Casiphia Lodge 551 and Elizabethtown's Encore Band at Masonic Villages, among other organizations. He was also a life member of the Hershey Region Antique Automobile Club of America and the Pennsylvania State Education Association.

Miller added that the Donegal Alumni Band is always seeking new members, and he encourages people who are interested to reach out through the group's Facebook page by searching for "Donegal HS Alumni Band - DAB." For more information on the placement of the bench, follow Donegal School District on Facebook.