Meet Coach Griff: Communities in Schools in Troup County Site Coordinator and Community Engagement Specialist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Coach Griff and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Coach, how has your background shaped the person you are today?
I am from Jacksonville, Florida and my upbringing is very special to me. I was raised by both of my parents to stand out, be a true gentleman and to always care for others (especially when you have nothing to gain). I have friends and family that are incarcerated and those same friends and family would not let me make bad decisions or hang around the wrong crowds. The synopsis was that I was different and I was special . I felt pre-destined to stand out and change the narrative around me.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I am most excited to be a Site Coordinator for Communities in Schools in Troup County and to be a part of such a great team. My work as a Site Coordinator at CIS-Troup positioned me to be selected as one of LaGrange’s Top 20 Under 40. My Executive Director, Tabitha Coverson, and my colleagues, Stephanie Williams and Fred Stanley in addition to myself, are all dedicated to the community of Troup and surrounding counties. My teammates are very supportive of my work at Callaway Middle School and they all push me to be better. As a team, we have provided over 2,000 meals to our community and beyond in addition to donating 900 dozen eggs to our community last month. Under the leadership of our Executive Director, we are set to do more amazing things in the state of Georgia individually as well as a team. We are a true family! Apart from working at Communities in Schools, I also pride myself in helping high school students go to college. I help students athletically and academically. I have been doing this for 6 years now and I have gotten 12 students into college individually. This number is not reflective of students that I help high school coaches recruit to colleges in track, football, softball and basketball; I often do contract work part-time for high school coaches. I believe in giving back to the community and growing those around me. I am also a volunteer football coach at Gardner-Newman Middle School. I coach Defensive Backs, Running Backs and I also assist with Study Hall as a tutor.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend were coming into town, I would definitely take them to my favorite food spots: Obeyda Wings, Brickhouse, DJs, Teriyaki Bistro, Mama Goldberg’s or Bull Street Hibachi. Depending on when my friend is coming, we could go to a local middle or high school game because I am sure that the town is shut down and everyone is there. LaGrange is a quiet and rural town with a very laid-back vibe. It is the perfect place to go to relax and stay out of the way! Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My success is dedicated to my family. My mother and father, Carolyn and Michael Griffin, can never be repaid for all of the hard work and sacrifice that they have given me. I was born premature at 1 pound 6 ounces and my mother and father instilled a drive inside of me that goes without saying. My mother spent many nights teaching me how to read and write and I ultimately earned my Bachelors degree in English for her. My father taught me how to play sports and how to be great team player and I earned a college football scholarship because of it. My parents are God sent and I love them so much! My success is also dedicated to my wife, Kamenia and my children, Kamari and Nyla. My wife Kamenia and I are college sweethearts and if it weren’t for that beautiful woman believing in me and pushing me to be a greater man of God, I truly do not know where I would be today. She is the perfect friend and life partner; God over blessed me when He put her into my life. As for Kamari and Nyla…my children keep me young and they always hold me accountable. They often let me know that they are watching and that Daddy is famous because he is always in the newspaper for helping others. My son Kamari wants to be a police officer and my daughter Nyla wants to be a teacher and a coach. I love my family!

Instagram: @CoachGriff4

Twitter: @CoachGriffELVTD

Facebook: Coach Griff 4

Youtube: https://youtu.be/1S0bxQJUw5g

Image Credits
Jenna Oden, LaGrange Daily News