Boulder Bluff Mentor is State's Volunteer of the Year

The S.C. State Board of Education has named volunteer Vernon Powell as the individual volunteer of the year. It was only one of four annual volunteer awards handed out last week in Columbia. 

Powell has a grandchild who attends Boulder Bluff and volunteers at the school at least four days a week.

The district notes in a release that his efforts have helped bolster the school's Parent Teacher Organization, foster good student behavior, support the annual carnival, build community support for the school and encourage family-school partnerships.

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"In today's world, a rare gem like Mr. Powell is hard to come by and to say he is deserving of this award is an understatement," said Boulder Bluff Principal Andrea Salters. "If it wasn't for him, his kind heart, and willingness to help, our school would not be the place that it is today. Every school should be so lucky as to have a Mr. Powell walking the halls."

Count on News 2 highlighted Powell's volunteer efforts, which also includes time coaching sports and helping out at his church. "It's very important to volunteer because these kids are the most important thing in the world," Powell told reporter Octavia Mitchell. "They are our future."

The state board also recognized volunteers at the Jefferies Generating Station of Santee Cooper, a business partner of Macedonia Middle School.

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