A community gathered in Parsippany to celebrate the retirement of Robert C. “Bob” Grant, a leader whose decades of dedication helped shape the future of early education in Morris County. For more than 22 years, Grant served on the Board of Directors for the Head Start Community Program of Morris County, spending most of that time as president. His leadership left an enduring mark, guiding the program through times of uncertainty while overseeing its growth into one of the most respected early education organizations in New Jersey.
At the ceremony, children carried bright, oversized letters spelling out R, C and G—an affectionate tribute to the man they had come to know simply as “Mr. Grant.” They were joined by families, educators, local officials, and longtime supporters, all recognizing the impact of a man whose efforts doubled Head Start’s reach across the county. Under his guidance, the organization expanded its preschool classrooms, launched new early childhood initiatives, and made quality education accessible to hundreds more families.
Morris County Commissioner Christine Myers praised Grant’s service in front of the packed audience. She emphasized not just his organizational leadership, but the values he imparted to the next generation. “What you have given children is not only a head start in education, but also an example of service to the community,” Myers said. “When children witness that kind of dedication, they learn that giving back is part of life.”
Head Start of Morris County, originally founded in Morristown in 1965, has always been dedicated to providing children from low-income families with early learning, health, and family support services. Under Grant’s tenure, that mission grew stronger. From successfully navigating state and federal funding challenges to pushing for modernized facilities, he helped build a stronger foundation for children and families across the county. Today, the program stands alone as the only Head Start in New Jersey to earn 5-STAR recognition from Grow NJ Kids, a testament to its high-quality services.
During the celebration, attendees looked back on key milestones from Grant’s career. In the early 2000s, he worked with state leaders to secure more than half a million dollars in funding, allowing dozens of children on waiting lists to finally enroll. In 2020, his vision led to a major expansion at the Morris County Nonprofit Mall, where 90 additional children gained access to classrooms. That site, which features a playground donated by the New York Jets Foundation, was dedicated in 2021 as the Robert C. Grant Head Start Center. Most recently, Grant oversaw renovations in Dover, adding classrooms and rededicating the headquarters in honor of retired executive director Susan O’Donnell.
The celebration included heartfelt tributes from community leaders and elected officials. State Sen. Anthony M. Bucco presented a legislative citation, noting that Grant’s work had inspired generations to give their time and energy to early childhood education. U.S. Rep. Mikie Sherrill’s office sent a congressional certificate, underscoring the national recognition his contributions had earned.
The most touching tribute, however, came from the children themselves. In a moving moment, preschoolers read a giant thank-you letter aloud: “Dear Mr. Grant, Thank you for helping to build our school. We love Head Start. We play, sing, read, exercise, learn math, create art, eat healthy meals and make many friends. RCG is a great place to be!”
Grant, who was joined by his wife, Geordi, and brother, Dan, expressed gratitude to colleagues, board members, and families who supported the mission over the years. He reflected on the bipartisan, community-wide support that has fueled Head Start’s success. “It’s been a remarkable journey, but the time has come for me to step aside,” he said, receiving a standing ovation.
With Rebecca Kolpa stepping in as the new Board President, Head Start of Morris County is poised to continue building on the foundation Grant laid. The program now serves more than 300 children and families annually, offering everything from preschool education to family services designed to give children the strongest possible start in life.
Robert C. Grant leaves behind a legacy not just of growth, but of resilience, collaboration, and compassion. His work has ensured that countless children in Morris County have the opportunity to learn, thrive, and dream bigger than ever before.
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