PHOTO PROVIDED Ashley Crust, music education teacher at Central Mountain Middle-High Schools, stands in the CMHS music room with a mock check reflecting a $700 scholarship for music education at the schools.

LOCK HAVEN — The late Michael Brookens, Michael Gardner and Benjamin Todd “Doob” Mellott loved to play music.

So much so that they created a following and a legacy that lives to this day.

Thanks to their generosity, students in the Keystone Central School District’s music education programs at the middle and high schools continue to receive support.

Upon their passing, family and friends formed The Michael Brookens, Todd Mellott and Michael Gardner Memorial Trust, administered by the Clinton County Community Foundation Inc., to support music education and other causes.

“This scholarship has been such a wonderful help for students over the years,” says Ashley Crust, music teacher.

And Crust has encouraging news: Participation in music education in Keystone Central “is going in the right direction,” with numbers on the increase.

“The marching band, for example, has seen a strong enrollment growth, and the concert band is doing well,” said Crust.

The chorus program is also doing well.

The school offers classes in guitar and piano, among other instruments.

Crust came up through the program herself, and so did her daughter.

As for the late musicians, the three men died suddenly and before their time, in successive Novembers from 2014 to 2016. They are sorely missed by those who knew and loved them.

Graduates of the former Lock Haven High School, they all attended Lock Haven University as well.

Their families and wide circle of friends have worked to raise money for the scholarship.

Mike Brookens was The Urge’s first manager, and booked key events such as main stage at the famous CBGB Club in New York City, and was the opening band for Meatloaf and others. Doob Mellott was a longtime bass player for the band, and Mike Gardner was a top fan since the band formed in 1986.

In addition, Mike Brookens is remembered as a long-time member of the Jaycees, Mike Gardner was a member of the Durty Dabbers Motorcycle Club and all three were members of both Belles Springs and the Clinton Country Club.

The trust also has donated to the Lock Haven YMCA and the Ross Library. Visit www.clintoncountyfoundation.org for more information on the Foundation and how to support local causes and communities.