Donna Powell was nominated by her colleague, Linn Alvarnas.
Ms. Powell has worked at Melville Elementary School for over 25 years. She is the "Mother Theresa" of Melville. Her calming, positive presence is supportive to students and staff. She was a classroom teacher for many years before assuming her current position. Ms. Powell exemplifies the definition of a LifeChanger, and her impact is seen and felt everyday. She is smart, kind, loving, and creative in her efforts to make students' lives and school experiences better every day.
"Words fail to express how truly wonderful she is," said Alvarnas.
I met Donna at Salve Regina University while we were both studying to be Teachers. Donna has always been one of the kindest, most compassionate people I have ever met, whether being a great listener, a wonderful friend, wife, mother, sibling, daughter, and teacher/counselor over many years. Whenever we are together, she is always her very best. I don't think I've ever seen her truly upset. Instead she tries to look for the best outcome for all, spreading positivity and hope everywhere she goes. Being one of 11 children taught her about life and being a twin at the tale end of the trail, #10 out of 11, surely taught her patience. If I could describe Donna in one word it would be grace. She handles every situation gracefully and with the upmost care. We have been friends for over 40 years and I wouldn't trade a moment of it for anything. Knowing Donna and being in her presence is a gift in and of itself.
When I think of Donna Powell, this quote from John C. Maxwell always comes to mind, “Students don’t care what you know until they know that you care.” One of the earliest memories I have of Donna was when she was a second grade teacher and her and I were working together to support a boy who had various behavioral needs. Donna came up with the idea to start a daily communication log with the parent to share information from this student’s day so the parent and child could reflect on the behaviors at home. I remember the first time I read this log, I was amazed at how thoughtful her entries were, they always included all of the positives this student did and her thinking behind why some of the behaviors may have come about that day. She would include suggestions for strategies she and the student could try that were self-reflective and kept the student and all of his strengths front and center. The time she took each day to put these thoughts in writing for the parent and the time she took each day to spend with this boy to show him how much she cared, not just about him academically, but him as a whole child was instrumental in turning his behaviors around. I remember talking to him toward the end of his final year at Melville, he told me that he would miss Mrs. Powell the most and the daily talks they would have.
Not only with students, but with the entire Melville faculty, Donna genuinely cares and shows this through each and every interaction she has. You will never be “rushed” or “brushed aside” when speaking with Donna, she is always 100% present when supporting peers and students alike which is both refreshing and rare within the busy school day. Donna is known throughout Melville as a “calming force” and someone who can help you to see “both sides of every coin” when problem solving. I am fortunate enough to share an office with her and often see other staff members seek her out to help with brainstorming how best to support a particular student or for advice on things going on in their own lives. I am confident when I say that she has had a genuine and positive impact on each and every member of the staff community. She truly is a Life Changer.
