Editor’s note: The following press release was published on the Arlington Community Schools’ website.
ARLINGTON, Tenn. – Beloved Arlington High School theater teacher Gregory Krosnes, known by students as Mr. K., passed away Tuesday night, July 3.
Krosnes, who was approaching his 10th year at AHS, was known by many to have an infectious laugh and as someone who cared for his students. Posts on social media from colleagues, former students and parents highlighted his “down-to-Earth” attitude and his ability to make anyone smile, regardless of how their day was going.
“Genuine is the best word I can come up with,” posted Sarah Kelley, a fellow teacher at AHS. “I’ll miss your laugh through the halls, your whistles as we signed in daily, and your random voices saying hilarious movie, TV and play lines when the situation called. My days won’t be the same.”
Another post said, “This man had the most beautiful heart and most contagious laugh. He was so influential on all of us…his passion was stunning and his talent was remarkable.” One person even described him as “the cool uncle that let you get away with things your mom never would.” It’s clear reading through the heartfelt messages that Krosnes left a lasting impact on the school and community he served.
Growing up in a military family, Krosnes traveled the country and world, briefly living in Germany, but he caught the theater bug while in school at Germantown High School. His passion for the arts took him to Rhodes College, where he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Theatre and Media Arts. He later received a Master of Fine Arts Degree from the University of California, Irvine.
After college, Krosnes spent a few years in Hollywood working on commercials, voiceovers and living his dream as an actor, but he eventually wanted to pass on his love of theater to the youth and took up teaching, both at Rhodes College and Arlington High.
Krosnes never gave up on community theater, however. He served as a Memphis Community Theatre judge for the Memphis Theatre Awards and directed and acted in shows, including Mama Mia, Shrek, Thoroughly Moder Millie, Oklahoma and The Addams Family.
Funeral arrangements have not yet been announced. However, the Mark E. Collins Auditorium will be open this Saturday, July 7, from noon to 2 p.m. for students, faculty and staff, alumni, and other community members who would like to gather to remember Krosnes.
