By Vicki Brown
Greg Kinsey was one of the most well-loved administrators of the Colleton County School District. Throughout the years he worked as a coach, teacher and administrator, his life impacted so many students who grew to respect him and his values, and never forgot him when they graduated and moved on with their lives.
Because of the influence he had with so many students, the class of 2007 wanted to remember him in a special way…with a scholarship in his name.
The Gregory Kinsey Memorial Scholarship Fund is a non-profit organization that is governed by the Colleton County High School Class of 2007. Coach Kinsey was a pillar of the academic and athletic community, serving to greatly impact and influence the youth of Colleton County. In his honor, the Class of 2007 Alumni will award a $500.00 or more scholarship in the Spring to a recipient who demonstrates academic excellence and outstanding service in the community. If you have any questions, the board members can be contact via email thegkmemorialscholarship@gmail.com.
Board Members are Selita H. Brown, Jennifer Hamilton, Lamar H. Hodges, LaQuetta Magwood, LaQuinta Magwood, Marcus Peacock, Jaquawna Terry, and Candice Williams
Eligibility Requirements:
-Must be a graduating senior who attends Colleton County High School
-Minimum 2.5 on a 4.0 grade point average scale
-Copy of Unofficial High School Transcript
-Demonstrate involvement in extracurricular activities and the community
-Plans to attend a 2-year or 4-year college/institution
-Complete a scholarship application packet
-(3) Letters of Recommendation – at least (1) from the community
-Submit a written essay - 2-page minimum, double-spaced, 12-point font
“Why are you the best candidate?” and “Name a coach or teacher who has had the most positive impact on your life and explain why?
Special Instructions
*Extracurricular activities can be identified as athletic teams, academic organizations, and/or school clubs.
**The recipient must provide an official acceptance letter from the college or university immediately prior receiving the award.
Donations are accepted: Cash App: $GKMScholarship, Paypal: thegkmemorialscholarship@gmail.com or make personal checks payable to: The Gregory Kinsey Memorial Scholarship
Greg Kinsey played for the Walterboro High School Bulldogs (1981-1983) and was a WHS varsity letterman (1982-83). He went on to play at Presbyterian College, where he was a three-year letterman and signed as a free agent with the New England Patriots. He served as the head coach at Ruffin High School (1997-2001) and was named Region VIII-A Coach of the Year during that period. Kinsey served as an assistant head coach and assistant athletic director at Colleton County High School (2002-06).
Kinsey was a pillar of the academic and athletic community, serving to greatly impact and influence the youth of Colleton County.
In 2018, he received a much-deserved induction into the Colleton County Athletic Hall of Fame. His bio included the following: Gregory Kinsey – Walterboro High School Bulldogs (1981-1983)
Kinsey was a WHS varsity letterman (1982-83). He went on to play at Presbyterian College where he was a three-year letterman. He then signed as a free agent with the New England Patriots.
Later, he served as the head coach at Ruffin High School (1997-2001) and was named Region VIII-A Coach of the Year during that period.
Kinsey was an assistant head coach and assistant athletic director at Colleton County High School (2002-2006).
He was currently serving as assistant principal at Colleton County Middle School and was a pastor at St. John’s A.M.E. Church in Ridgeville when he passed away. He was laid to rest on Friday July 31, 2020.
“I was devasted when I received the news about Coach Kinsey’s death,” said Marcus Peacock. “While preparing for his celebration of life, I read countless posts from my classmates and other former students about how he had a major impact on their lives. Coach Kinsey was a GIANT who gave transportation from football practices, a meal, clothing, or just a few words of inspiration. All the love and respect given by coach led me to the idea of the scholarship in his memory” said Peacock. “We, the Class of 2007 created the scholarship to ensure the great legacy of late Rev. Coach Gregory Kinsey continues.”
