Darby Kinsey
Growing Up and Shining Lowcountry Style
story by MICAH PEPPERS photos courtesy of KINSEY FAMILY
Born and raised in Beaufort, Battery Creek High School Senior Darby Kinsey has always been a small-town girl at heart. “I’ve always had the same neighborhood, same neighbors, and have known the same kids since preschool. We all went to Mossy Oaks Elementary and Beaufort Middle School.”
Daughter of Kersty, an office manager at Howell Builders, and Battery Creek High School history teacher, William, Darby had to make a decision after middle school. Which high school would she attend? “All of my friends I had grown up with went to Beaufort High School, but Beaufort High is so big, and it was a little too big for me,” Darby states. “Battery Creek didn’t always have the best reputation, but it’s really turned around. My dad not only attended there but has taught at Battery Creek for 27 years, so I have always felt like I was born to be a Dolphin.”
Having a parent employed as a teacher at his child’s same high school could present challenges, but Darby didn’t have a problem with it. “I had my dad for two classes. The first time was just for general history, and the second time was for AP, which occurred during COVID. Even though I was home, he didn’t let me slip up. He doesn’t treat me any differently than the other students. He would ask me, ‘Is your work done yet?’ and was strict on making sure I had my work done on time.”
To say Darby is a diligent, hardworking student would be an understatement. She is ranked third in her class out of 135, which is impressive unto itself; however, it’s her extracurriculars while holding down her academics that make her stand out among others. Darby registered for the dual-enrollment program to earn college credit while still attending high school. Battery Creek has their dual-enrolled students attend the Technical College of the Lowcountry (TCL) for part of their day. Students dual enrolled will attend college courses before returning to their high school classes. She was able to begin the first semester of her junior year, and, in the morning, she would go to TCL and finish her day at Battery Creek. Even though some days were more difficult than others, she persevered, and on May 12, she will graduate from TCL with her Associates Degree before she graduates with her high school diploma. There has only been one other Battery Creek student to do that before her: Lukas, her brother.
After graduation, Darby will attend Charleston Southern University. “My brother goes there, and I remember thinking, ‘There is no way I’m going to this school.’” Even Lukas said, “You don’t want to come here. It is not the right place for your personality,” Darby laughs. She wanted to go her own way, so she applied and was accepted to over 20 universities. She began college tours with her family, each falling just short of her expectations. “Clemson was too big. The College of Charleston was a bit too artsy. They were all too something. I just never felt like any of them were a fit.” Her family had encouraged her not to take Charleston Southern off the table, so she decided to take a tour. “I visited Charleston Southern as a potential student, not Lukas’ sister. I applied for a scholarship that required an interview. After my interview, I was told that if I was inducted, I would be a part of a fellowship.”
“They pointed to other students and said, ‘These will be your peers.’ I really liked it, took another tour, and fell in love with it. The fact that it is a Christian college also appealed to me. My faith in Christ is why I am where I am today. I feel like I have worked hard over the last few years, but to God be the Glory.” Darby will know if she is awarded the fellowship scholarship this month, but, either way, she will be attending in the fall and majoring in Elementary Education.
For now, Darby continues to excel in school. She works at Carolina Me Crazy downtown and often rotates between the owner’s other stores: both Barefoot Bubbas locations and the candy store downtown. “I work a lot. I am a shift leader, help with the window storefront, and sometimes help with the social media postings; therefore, I am constantly at one of the stores doing a variety of tasks.” At school, Darby is the President of Students Against Destructive Decisions, where she helped to create a program called “Blessings Bags.” Through this program, Darby collected donations and filled each bag with needed items for the local homeless community. She is also a member of the National Honor Society and a part of the teacher cadet program, which allows her to visit other schools to demonstrate skills she has learned in the classroom. One of Darby’s favorite hobbies is photography; some of her photos have even been featured in the local Island News.
When not busy with school, work, or extracurricular activities, Darby enjoys spending time with her family and their dogs. “We have two miniature Schnauzers, Beau, and Saban, named after the Alabama football team.” She also loves Dolly Parton and enjoys the suspenseful tv show, Criminal Minds.
Darby knew who she was from the moment she entered high school. The small-town girl found her core group of friends at Battery Creek. She became a leader on and off campus while excelling academically. When asked where she sees herself in ten years, she has to think for a moment. “I see myself with a Masters in Education. I want to have settled down into teaching and possibly become a guidance counselor to students. I don’t really do great with big changes, and I see myself back in Beaufort. I know so many people here, and I’m familiar with and comfortable with the area. The Lowcountry is my home.”
