Building Community Beyond the Screen: Honoring Dr. Susan Powell’s Impact at Sevenstar Academy
Online learning can open the door to new possibilities for students however, in the quiet glow of a computer screen, students can sometimes feel isolated and disconnected. Especially in comparison to the dynamic, face-to-face interactions of a traditional brick-and-mortar school. But it doesn’t have to be this way. Sevenstar Academy’s Student Community Liaison, Dr. Susan Powell has found a way to bridge that gap, transforming online learning into a space where students can feel seen, heard, and valued. Her warm, inviting voice cuts through the digital noise, greeting every student with a smile that feels almost tangible, even from hundreds of miles away. Her enthusiasm is contagious, her encouragement unwavering, and her ability to make students feel like they truly matter is a gift that has defined her career.
From the Classroom to the Virtual World
Dr. Powell’s journey into education began long before her time at Sevenstar Academy. Her passion for teaching took root in high school, where a love for math sparked by her trigonometry teacher led her to pursue a degree in math education. “I don’t know what happened, but I just thought, my goodness, I love math. So, I switched right then and there to be a math teacher.” After earning her bachelor’s degree in just three years, she began her career at the age of 20 in one of the top school districts in the country: Fairfax County, Virginia. Her talent was immediately apparent, and by the age of 21, she was already a department chair.
As her career evolved, Dr. Powell sought to improve educational systems at every level while also raising four daughters. She worked in public and private schools and even took a brief detour into the business sector before returning to her true calling – teaching. In the 1990s, she became a trailblazer for integrating technology into education, spearheading statewide initiatives to bring technology into classrooms. Dr. Powell played a key role in securing nearly a million-dollar grant for new equipment in a large district, and through these efforts, countless students and teachers benefited from enhanced learning opportunities.
In 2017 Dr. Powell began working at Sevenstar Academy. Here, she has combined her years of experience with her passion for educational innovation, bringing a fresh perspective to online learning. She implemented data-driven decision-making systems to track student engagement, progress, and achievement. Dr. Powell was able to identify students who needed additional support and worked closely with project leaders across the organization to ensure at-risk students received the care they needed. But her work didn’t stop with data. She introduced synchronous Bible studies, where students could dive deep into Scripture while building relationships with their peers. Through these Bible study programs, including pilot courses on Hebrews and First Peter, she saw tangible growth in students’ faith as they not only learned more about God but also strengthened their connection to one another.
“It’s been the job of my dreams to finish my career in a Christian setting, where I could have a relationship with students and be able to share the gospel. I think the best part, frankly, was coming alongside of the whole family..."
With Dr. Powell’s assistance, Sevenstar Academy has seen the growth of various extracurricular activities that foster a sense of community in the virtual world. From clubs and the National Honor Society to Christmas parties and mental health webinars, Dr. Powell has worked tirelessly to ensure that students at Sevenstar have opportunities to connect and grow beyond the classroom. Her leadership has created an environment where relationships flourish, even in the digital landscape. Looking back, she says, “it’s been the job of my dreams to finish my career in a Christian setting, where I could have a relationship with students and be able to share the gospel. I think the best part, frankly, was coming alongside of the whole family. There have been many cases since I’ve been here where moms and dads who were just burdened and struggled. So, to come alongside them, as an elder woman, to love and support them and bring the light of the word, the light of the cross to them was helpful.”
Impacting Students
Dr. Powell’s commitment to supporting students and families through challenging times has been a hallmark of her career. Rachel, mom to three students at Sevenstar Academy, shared how Dr. Powell has played a pivotal role in her family’s life:
“Dr. Powell has been an incredible and compassionate mentor and friend to both my daughter and me for the past seven years. My daughter began attending Sevenstar in middle school while dealing with medical issues that often left her in chronic pain, impacting her daily life. Thanks to Dr. Powell's guidance, kindness, and constant prayers, my daughter is now set to graduate with high hopes for her future in college and beyond. Dr. Powell cheered her on, prayed for her, encouraged her to be a leader, and provided her with opportunities to excel. She created clubs and groups that allowed my extroverted daughter to connect with students from around the world.”
Dr. Powell’s support extended beyond just academic mentorship though. During a challenging season, she checked in on and pray for Rachel serving as both a Christian leader and a trusted friend during difficult times.
Daniel, a Sevenstar Academy graduate said, “Dr. Powell has been and will always be my grandmother-in-Christ. When I first met her as a student, I was at my lowest, yet she continued to connect with me even after graduation, guiding me through my hardest times. Whether I was recovering from an accident or feeling stuck in life, she shared her wisdom and helped me find confidence in God and the strength to live in the moment. Her prayers at the end of every meeting refreshed my spirit and encouraged me to face life’s challenges with renewed hope.”
Kara Minor, an English/Language Arts instructor at Sevenstar Academy, had the privilege of working with Dr. Powell on several occasions. One of her favorite stories involved a student who, despite facing personal challenges and being older than typical graduates, was determined to earn their diploma. “Dr. Powell was so encouraging to both the student and me, as we worked to help our student reach her goals. Dr. Powell did everything in her power to make this young woman successful. She was uplifting and encouraging when it could have been very easy to feel discouraged by the lack of progress. In the end, when our student achieved success, Dr. Powell rejoiced loudly with her. Her care and concern for her students and her co-workers was so obvious and appreciated.”
These are just a few of the many stories that highlight Dr. Powell’s profound impact at Sevenstar Academy. She has always believed in the power of community—especially a Christ-centered one—and that belief has played a key role in making Sevenstar such a unique place. “The Christian aspect is not only about growing in faith; it’s about building community,” said Dr. Powell. “Because we share a common faith, we’re able to connect more quickly, breaking down virtual walls. I believe faith in Christ binds us together in a way that non-Christian schools can’t, and it makes online education a powerful option.”
A Lasting Influence Beyond Sevenstar
While online learning can sometimes feel isolating, Dr. Powell has worked tirelessly to ensure that the relationships formed here are real and lasting. Her work has never been just a job; it has been a calling. Dr. Powell’s legacy extends far beyond Sevenstar Academy, with the strong foundation she built continuing to influence students and shape the team for years to come. Her unwavering faith, perseverance, and dedication to education have left a profound mark on everyone she served. As Brett Henry, Sevenstar’s CEO and Head of School, shared:
“Today, Sevenstar Academy is not yet all it will be, but the sense of community, program, and belonging that she fostered will be the foundation we continue to build. I am so thankful for her commitment to excellence, her contagious love for people and the Lord, and her willingness to share the last years of her career (informed by the many experiences prior) to help Sevenstar chart its course. The impact she had made is indelible.”
Her legacy also lives on through her four daughters and 18 grandchildren, who are a testament to her commitment to nurturing future generations. We are deeply grateful for her time at Sevenstar Academy and for the lasting impact she has made in education as a whole.
Tag:Educators, Impact, Online Learning, School
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