Nearly 20 years ago, FFA Agriculture Advisor, Coach Micheal A. Haynes and Dr. Howard Conyers, now a college professor, and former rocket scientist, had a conversation about creating a scholarship for Manning High School students in the FFA Shop. It was a simple idea: help students from a rural, underserved community reach college and beyond.
Today, that simple idea has become a lasting reality.
The Micheal Haynes Legacy Scholarship has hit its $25,000 endowment goal, which means Manning High School students will benefit from this fund for years to come. It's a win for the whole community, built on one man's decades of service.
For more than 40 years, Coach Haynes has been a steady presence in Clarendon County as a father, mentor, coach, and teacher. He shaped lives through agricultural programs, shop classes, and whole hog barbecues at Ramsey Stadium. He taught discipline and responsibility, and he showed up when it mattered most.
The push to fully endow the fund started in October 2024, when Martin White, Dr. Howard Conyers, and Sherrod Conyers partnered with the Central Carolina Community Foundation to launch a formal fundraising effort.
The community responded. Many who contributed to the scholarship did so because of personal experiences with Coach Haynes. Tanisha Thames, one of the donors, said her decision to give was deeply personal. “What motivated me to contribute was the opportunity to invest directly in students while honoring a legacy that represents purpose, service, and impact,” Thames said.
A big boost came from a donation-matching partnership with Ms. Tiffany Glenn-Davis, which helped the fund reach its goal ahead of schedule. Those involved say they’re already thinking about what comes next.
Now fully endowed, the scholarship is permanent and self-sustaining. It will continue to award one scholarship each year to a graduating senior from Manning High School. Selection criteria remain unchanged, focusing on academic achievement, leadership, and community involvement.
While the original goal has been met, anyone who wants to help grow the scholarship can still contribute at https://cccfoundation.fcsuite.com/erp/donate/create/fund?funit_id=5290.
What started as a conversation 20 years ago, is now permanent. A scholarship created by the community to uplift Clarendon County students for generations as we honor Coach Haynes commitment to Go To High School, Go To College.
