Seacoast Collegiate High School, the high school under the SEASIDE SCHOOL™ umbrella, is proud to announce that senior McKazlyn “Kazz” Payne has officially signed to play collegiate golf at Oglethorpe University in Brookhaven, Georgia, in addition to receiving more than $100K in academic and athletic scholarships. The signing ceremony took place on Friday, October 25, 2024 at Seacoast Collegiate High School, where family, friends, mentors, and school leaders gathered to celebrate Kazz’s outstanding achievements.

Kazz, a golfer for South Walton High School, has not only excelled in athletics but has also demonstrated exceptional academic commitment through Seacoast Collegiate High School’s Dual Enrollment program. In May, she is set to graduate with both her high school diploma and an Associate of Arts degree from Northwest Florida State College, positioning her for a smooth transition into collegiate academics and athletics.

Reflecting on this milestone and her commitment to Oglethorpe University, Kazz shared, “I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to continue my golf career at Oglethorpe University. Playing golf has taught me resilience, focus, and the importance of mental strength, and I’m so excited to bring those skills to the collegiate level. Thank you to my coaches, mentors, family, and friends who have supported me every step of the way.”

Kazz’s accomplishments and dedication have made her a standout both on the course and in the classroom. South Walton High School Girls Golf Coach Kendall Griner remarked, “Kazz is a unique talent, but her commitment and work ethic are what set her apart. She’s an inspiring leader and a true team player, and I know she’ll make a tremendous impact at Oglethorpe.”

In attendance at the ceremony were PGA Professional Kevin Lacey, Coach Kendall Griner, and Golf Mentor & Mental Coach John Goudie, all of whom played significant roles in Kazz’s development as a golfer and individual.

“Kazz embodies the spirit of Seacoast Collegiate High School—hard work, determination, and excellence. Her achievements in both academics and athletics are an inspiration to us all, and we couldn’t be more proud to celebrate this milestone with her,” said Seacoast Collegiate High School Principal Drew Ward. “We wish her all the best as she takes on this exciting new chapter at Oglethorpe.”

The Seacoast community extends its warmest congratulations to Kazz on this remarkable achievement and looks forward to her continued success both in the classroom and on the golf course.

About The Seaside School, Inc.

The Seaside School, Inc. – the oldest operating public charter school in Florida and comprised of Seaside Neighborhood School in Seaside, Florida and Seacoast Collegiate High School located on the nearby campus of Northwest Florida State College – was founded in 1996 with the simple goal of creating a school to address the need for a better middle school education in Walton County. Today, Seaside School has nearly 440 students across the two school campuses and Northwest Florida State College serving grades 5th through 12th and was ranked in the top five of all public charter schools in the state of Florida for the 2021-2022 school year based on the Florida Department of Education School Grade Program. For more information, visit SeasideSchools.net.

Photo Credits: WAVE Media

Seacoast Collegiate High School Senior McKazlyn “Kazz” Payne Signs with Oglethorpe University Golf Program