Local architect Scott Powell builds minds one book at a time
The school bell echoes down the hall, starting the day at Alexander Elementary, just shy of Berea, off Highway 253 and White Horse Road. A couple of dozen squirming kindergarteners gather on the rug around Scott Powell’s feet. He slowly rocks in his chair and smiles. They steadily hold his gaze, anticipating the big reveal. What book did he bring today? “I love reading to the class,” the 59-year-old visitor reveals. “I try to take books I read to my children. It’s really one of the highlights of my week. It sets everything in perspective after a long work week.”
As an architect with Craig Gaulden Davis, perspective is critical to creating proper angles, shapes, and design. But Powell places an even greater value on the perspective of the human condition. His desire to serve others led him to the Rotary Club of Greenville, which in turn led him to Miss Mlay’s class of youngsters. “We’d just wrapped up with Roper Mountain Holiday lights, which we’d done for 26 years,” he explains. “We needed a new program with a lot of volunteer hours. We realized one of the ways we can really make a difference is with children.”
The needs were apparent when he first met with Alexander Elementary‘s staff. “A teacher’s job nowadays is hard, and when you’re dealing with poverty, it’s even more difficult,” he shares. “We realized they didn’t have full-time music or PE teachers, and typically that’s the one break a teacher gets during the day.” Rotary members were already running a “Read-to-Me” program with other organizations; they expanded it five years ago, encouraging members to read at Alexander and engage with the children while providing a respite for teachers.
Powell found a corner in Miss Mlay’s room on Friday mornings and hasn’t left since. “It’s fun,” he says. “It takes a bit of time at the beginning, but they warm up and really get into the books. They join in the story and wait for points where they help me out.”
Miss Mlay enjoys his appearances as much as the children. “He shows them how books can help you learn new things, or think in new ways,” she explains. “My students love hearing from someone other than me. They truly love his voices and the singing he does to make the reading more exciting.”
The former PTA president at Sarah Collins Elementary has become such a fixture in the Alexander classroom, and donated so many books, that the children officially named his corner “Mr. Powell’s Library.” “When you start to see them participate, and their eyes light up, it reminds you of a future of positive things,” he says. “You see the world from a child’s eyes. We talk about professions and encourage them. ‘You can do this. If you learn to read, you’ll be smart like the people in these books.’”
Growing up in Boiling Springs, Powell found escape when opening a book. He hopes to pass on his love of reading, prompting these pupils to chase their dreams. “I feel it’s important for these kids to live outside their world. There is so much they can strive for and accomplish. And these teachers have such a passion and impact. We need to support them and do all we can to help those kids.” Building minds, one page at a time.
Kringle Holiday Village 2023
The Rotary Club of Greenville spends more than $15,000 on books, clothing, and food at Alexander Elementary each year. To support this project, as well as others serving Alzheimer’s patients, war veterans, and others, Rotary members host Kringle Holiday Village. The three-day event transforms Fluor Field into a winter wonderland for families, featuring entertainment, fireworks, food, and artisan vendors. This year, the Village will open Dec. 8–10. For a schedule of activities, visit KringleHolidayVillage.com.
