Former teacher to serve as Original Six Foundation’s first program coordinator
The Original Six (O6) Foundation, a nonprofit that provides afterschool and literacy programs for vulnerable students in rural and underserved areas of South Carolina, has named Cameron Gentry program coordinator. In this newly created role, Gentry will manage and oversee Original Six Foundation programs while fostering a nurturing environment with O6 partner schools and students.
Before joining the Original Six Foundation team, Gentry taught third grade at Pomaria-Garmany Elementary School in Newberry County. The daughter of lifelong educators, Gentry was on the Dean’s List at Clemson University where she graduated in 2021 with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Elementary Education with an emphasis on Math and Science.
“Original Six Foundation programs are experiencing unprecedented growth,” executive director, Kara Gormley Meador says. “Having a passionate and enthusiastic leader like Cameron serving as program coordinator will help ensure that the students we serve and the teachers we invest in have the support they need to excel.”
During 2022-2023, Original Six Foundation programs served over 5,500 students. The organization’s primary program, O6 Afterschool nearly doubled in size, regularly serving over 7-hundred students in 11 schools located in 8 South Carolina public school districts. Each program operates Monday through Thursday providing students in grades two through eight with a safe place to learn while filling educational gaps.
“I’m thrilled to share my passion for education and serve students across the state of South Carolina,” Gentry said. Gentry attended one of the Title I schools that the Original Six Foundation currently serves. “I know these kids, because I was one of those kids,” Gentry said. “Every child matters and the Original Six Foundation is addressing the educational needs of students in rural and underserved areas in a truly impactful way. This is an area where I believe I can make a positive contribution.”
“It’s exciting to see the Foundation growing because that means we are serving more kids,” said Original Six Founder and Chair, Nikki Haley. “This work would not be possible without the support of businesses and individuals who realize that helping children reach their full potential is always a great investment,” Haley said.
About the Original Six Foundation
Founded in 2011 by then-Governor Haley, the Original Six Foundation believes children across South Carolina deserve a quality education regardless of where they are born and raised. The Original Six works to improve education by identifying gaps and filling them through hands on engagement and resources. Original Six partners include public schools in Allendale County, Barnwell County, Bamberg County, Clarendon County, Colleton County, Florence County, Greenville County, Kershaw County, Marion County, Pickens County, Richland County, Union County. To learn more visit: www.originalsixfoundation.org.