Simon Youth Foundation students Read. Play. Shop.

The students at the Simon Youth Dr. Paul L. Kelley Volunteer Academy in Knoxville, Tenn., found themselves at the non-traditional school, which is located in the Knoxville Center shopping mall, because they could not connect with learning at their local high school.

But in a testament to the school’s power to change a student's outlook on education, the academy’s students now promote learning by participating in a monthly children’s reading program called Read. Play. Shop.

“At the academy, our students are learning the value of education and understanding the positive impact that it can have on their lives,” says Kim Towe, the principal at the academy. “Read. Play. Shop. is an opportunity to pass these lessons on, and because it takes place right here at Knoxville Center, it was a natural fit to have our students volunteer with the program.”

The last Wednesday of every month, five of Towe’s students make the short walk from the academy to the children’s play area at Knoxville Center to read stories like You Can Do It by Tony Dungy and Olivia Talks Turkey by Farrah McDoogle. The academy students select the stories that they’ll read to the children each month.

“I really enjoyed the experience of reading to the kids in the playground area, because it was easier to connect with the kids while sitting in a rocket ship,” says student Alex Dailey. “I honestly think that I had more fun than the kids did.”

“We've been thrilled to have participation from the Simon Youth Academy, and its students have done a tremendous job,” says Amy Fields, the director of marketing at Knoxville Center.

Read. Play. Shop. also includes opportunities for face painting, arts and crafts for participating children. Recent sessions have had as many as 15 children attend.

The Simon Youth Dr. Paul L. Kelley Volunteer Academy operates in partnership between Simon Youth Foundation and Knox County Schools.