Kevin Haymore believes in giving back.
During his childhood in Greenwood, the 25-year-old teacher and coach was fortunate to have many positive influences in his life, including his mother, Lynwonda Cross; his great-grandmother, Rosie Cross; and his former football coach at Greenwood High School, Clinton Gatewood.
“I was blessed to have these people and others make an impact in my life,” said Haymore, who teaches sixth-grade math at Threadgill Elementary School and coaches football at Greenwood High. “I spent a lot of time as a kid around my great-grandmother. She made sure I was in church with her every Sunday and was always so positive. I guess that’s why to this day I try to find the positive in every situation I face.”
Haymore, a former defensive back at Mississippi Valley State University, is using his positive vibe to try to make a difference in the lives of kids in this community by serving as a mentor for the “He Ain’t Heavy He’s My Brother” mentoring group founded by Troy Brown Jr. and spearheaded by Kenderick Cox.
“It’s rewarding for me to be able to help out those who need some direction. I am big on showing them how to carry themselves in public,” Haymore said. “I am just trying to touch the lives of some kids who may not be as fortunate as I was growing up with so many good role models in my life.”
After wrapping up his football career at MVSU in 2014 and graduating in 2015, Haymore spent two years at his alma mater as a graduate assistant while pursuing a master’s degree in teaching.
He is on track to complete the degree in about a year.
Haymore said he didn’t always know he wanted to teach and coach but always knew he wanted to work with young people, no matter what profession he chose.
“Oh, I think this is what I was meant to do for now,” he said. “I have just fallen in love with the kids.”
The 2011 GHS graduate gets a real joy in sharing his love of math with his students.
“I’ve always found math interesting,” said Haymore, who went as high as Calculus III while at MVSU. “To me, it’s like trying to figure out a puzzle.”
As part of the Bulldog coaching staff, he coaches linebackers and special teams and serves as assistant defensive coordinator.
“I have a great love for the game, and I love the competition. Football is also a great teacher of life lessons and discipline that can carry our kids to great things later in life,” Haymore said.
Once he finishes his master’s, Haymore hopes to enroll in a school administration program and one day become a principal, but for now, he’s enjoying the job he has.
•Contact Bill Burrus at 581-7237 or bburrus@gwcommonwealth.com.
