Bridging creativity and community: The Pearce Center joins with local school in book project

The Pearce Center’s partnership with the Central Academy of the Arts began in 2015 to help elementary students retain reading comprehension over the summer, particularly in schools with limited resources for reading. By engaging the elementary students in the writing process, the Pearce Center has produced nine books, with the 10th currently in progress. The hope is that being involved in writing the book will entice students to keep up with their summer reading. This year, Mary Provost, team lead of the Central Academy book project, collaborated on a book showcasing students’ favorite animals. As a first-time member of the Central team, she brought fresh insights and a unique perspective from her background in elementary education.

Though this is Provost’s third semester at the Pearce Center, she had not previously been involved in the Central book project, an initiative connecting Pearce Interns with local elementary students. The role provided new opportunities for professional and academic growth. Her background in elementary education inspired her to integrate South Carolina’s art standards into the project framework, aligning it closely with her major in elementary education. This allowed her to practice essential skills like lesson planning and standard implementation, which is essential for her future role as an educator.

“Communicating with other teachers and school administration to create something tangible with students is an opportunity I cannot receive in a classroom setting,” Provost explained, emphasizing the hands-on experience she’s gaining.

Stepping into this leadership role has been both challenging and rewarding, as leading the Central team—the largest at the Pearce Center with 12 members — requires innovative strategies for task distribution and time management.

“This project has been the most fulfilling I’ve worked on,” Provost shared, acknowledging the dedication of her team. “The patience and joy my fellow interns bring to every visit is what I want to emulate in my future classroom,” she added, reflecting on the inspiring influence of her peers.

The interns’ enthusiasm is not lost on the students, who eagerly ask Pearce Interns to extend their visits. Lauren Schorfaar, an intern on the Central team, noted the importance of these interactions. “I think that connecting with kids is so important because I remember being in second grade and looking up to older kids who helped in the classroom. They get so excited about having visitors, and it makes learning so much more fun for them.”

Fellow intern Arya Desai agreed, emphasizing the impact on students’ confidence and creativity. “It’s so important to help them feel seen and supported,” she said. Interns found that working with the children has not only enriched the students’ learning experiences but also strengthened their own connection to the Clemson University community.

Working with Central students has become a weekly highlight for the interns, who find energy and inspiration in their curiosity and joy for learning. “They have so much curiosity, and it’s a joy to channel their energy into creative activities,” said Ashley Greenblatt. Desai added that witnessing the students’ unique expressions while learning about their favorite animals brought her joy, as each child’s personality shone through in their stories.

As they work on the book project, interns have embraced each stage of the creative process. Brianna Bullard appreciated the simple joy of spending time with the students, while Schorfaar enjoyed designing the book cover, combining her love of art and animals. Desai found delight in hearing the students’ imaginative stories, which reminded her of the limitless creativity of childhood.

As a liaison between the client and the interns, Provost faced logistical challenges, such as coordinating schedules and managing time conflicts. However, these challenges have emphasized the importance of proactive communication. 

“One of the biggest takeaways is how vital communication is to build a strong team,” she noted. 

By fostering an open-dialogue approach, Provost has fostered a collaborative environment where no detail is overlooked.

Together, the Pearce Interns’ dedication to the Central Academy of the Arts has made a lasting impact on the school’s young learners — and on the interns themselves. For the interns, the experience has offered invaluable professional development and a deeper sense of community engagement. The Central project is an amazing learning experience, with opportunities for each intern to grow both professionally and personally. Provost’s dedication to fostering a supportive, communicative team culture is sure to leave a lasting impact on the project, the students at Central and the Pearce Center.

By: Mary O’Dwyer