By: Jessica O’Connor
Greg Kinsey was a pillar of the Colleton County community during his time as an educator, coach, and pastor. Described by Greg Kinsey Memorial Scholarship Fund Executive Board member, Lamar Hodges, as “a giant with a heart for kids,” Kinsey made an impact on multiple generations of families.
In hopes of continuing Coach Kinsey’s legacy, the Colleton County High School Class of 2007 joined forces with the Kinsey family to create the Stay in the Game Project.
The name given to the project holds a special meaning. Hodges relayed that in conversation with Coach Kinsey’s wife, it was mentioned that the topic of his last sermon before his passing was “stay in the game.”
“No matter what the challenges are, no matter what the circumstances are-stay in the game,” Hodges explained. He felt the name was fitting given what the coach would have wanted for the program himself.
Working with Ms. Sandra Pope of the Colleton County Department of Social Services Family Preservation Unit, the Stay in the Game Project sought to aid children who would be leaving their current living situation due to various circumstances.
“Sometimes in situations when children are taken out of their homes, they aren’t able to pack before they go,” Hodges said. “They still have to go to school just like they normally would. In that situation DSS provides a lot of needed items, but what is a way that we as a community can help our own community reach that goal of making sure that kids do have what they need?”
To help achieve that goal, the Greg Kinsey Memorial Scholarship Fund donated 40 bookbags to Colleton County DSS through the Stay in the Game Project. 20 of the bookbags were designated for elementary aged children (10 boys and 10 girls), and contained 2 pocket folders, 1 notebook, 1 coloring book, a composition book, crayons, pencils, tissue, and hand sanitizer.
Bookbags for 20 middle to high school aged boys and girls included 2 pocket folders, a notebook, 2 packs of college ruled paper, a composition book, pencils, and hand sanitizer.
It was the group’s hope that these essential items would help the children focus on their education while making a transition in their home life.
On August 16th the bookbags were presented to DSS. Mayor Bill Young, Ms. Sandra Pope, Coach Kinsey’s wife, and the executive board of the Greg Kinsey Memorial Scholarship Fund were all in attendance. Ms. Pope and Mayor Young even shared their own stories about their experiences with Coach Kinsey.
“We’re grateful to be able to provide this asset to our community,” Hodges stated. “Oftentimes we hear people say they want to do things for the community, but the only way to get things done is through action. If we’re going to look for change, we have to be the change.”
The Greg Kinsey Memorial Fund has taken great steps to be that change in memory of their beloved mentor. Besides organizing the Stay in the Game Project, the non-profit has awarded 4 scholarships to high school graduates over the past 2 years as well as contributed to the Patrick L. Thomas Scholarship at S.C. State University.
They’ve also begun planning for Stay in the Game II, which they hope will launch in 2023. This project, focused mainly on high school students, will provide hygiene products such as deodorant, toothpaste/toothbrushes, and feminine products to schools for use in the nurse’s office, health class, etc. The end goal is to again take the focus off of common bodily issues that may arise to help the students focus fully on their education.
High school seniors can speak with their counselors regarding applications for the Greg Kinsey Memorial Scholarship. If you wish to contribute to the Greg Kinsey Memorial Scholarship Fund’s efforts, you may do so through Cash App ($GKMScholarship), Paypal (thegkmemorialscholarship@gmail.com), or with a check made payble to: The Gregory Kinsey Memorial Scholarship Fund, PO Box 291464, Columbia, SC 29229.
