Kirby establishes scholarship at Florence-Darlington Tech

Dr. John M. Kirby Jr., superintendent of the Dillon School District 3 in Latta, recently made the final installment of a $30,000 gift to the Florence-Darlington Technical College Educational Foundation.

The Dr. John Kirby Scholarship at Florence-Darlington Tech is awarded to a Latta High School graduate or adult Latta community member to assist him or her in furthering his or her education. The award can be used either to pay tuition or to help defray other costs associated with attending college, such as books and transportation.

Kirby said he decided to establish this scholarship program in an effort to give back to the Latta community that has supported him in his many years of service to its school district.

Kirby rose up through the ranks of education as a teacher, coach and administrator in the Mullins school district. He then became principal of Latta High School. A Mullins High School graduate, he earned an Associate of Science from the University of South Carolina. He continued his education at Francis Marion University, completing a Bachelor of Science in psychology and a Master of Elementary Education. He was awarded a doctorate in Educational Administration by Nova Southeastern University.

“Having had the opportunity to choose to further my education had a direct, positive impact upon my career,” Kirby said in a press release issued by the college. “With this scholarship, more individuals will have the chance to do the same.”