In 1998 Children’s Friend established the Kimbrel Scholarship.
Initially, the scholarship was awarded to Children’s Friend employees
and their family members pursuing a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education.
In 2005, Children’s Friend funded the Billy Lee Kimbrel Memorial Endowed Scholarship
through Macon State College in Macon, Georgia.
The scholarship is awarded annually to a deserving Macon State student pursing a degree
in early childhood education.
Mr. Billy Lee Kimbrel, whose name the scholarship honors,
served in the Coffee County School System in Douglas,
Georgia from 1954 to 1982. His time was spent primarily
as an Industrial Arts Instructor where he taught
mechanical and architectural drawing. In 1975 the
Georgia Association of Educators recognized Mr. Kimbrel
as the Georgia Teacher of the Year. Two years later
he received a Certificate of Commendation from the
state of Georgia for his dedication to teaching.
His efforts served as a positive influence on the
lives of the young men and women whom he taught.
