Serving Stevenson and surrounding areas for nearly 26 years

Katie Hightower

Twenty-eight years ago, the Stevenson Community lost five beloved members in the TWA Flight 800 plane crash. One victim, Michael Scott, had a dream for Stevenson to have a learning center so that the community can come together and enrich their lives with educational opportunities. To honor Michael Scott’s memory, many members and organizations of Stevenson and the surrounding rural area came together and organized the purchase of the building that became the Michael Scott Learning Center. 

In October, the MSLC will be celebrating 26 years of serving members of the Stevenson and surrounding communities with educational enrichment for people of all ages. The services the MSLC provided for the community could not have happened without the many volunteers and partnerships established by people who believe in MSLC’s mission.

Crystal McCrary, the MSLC’s director for the past six years said, “The most challenging part of directing the MSLC is being able to do all that is needed to make the center successful as the only employee. Everything has to balance together to make events possible. Donations and grants must be obtained. Programs must be planned and advertised. Supplies need to be purchased, set up and cleaned up after each activity. Time management is key. We rely heavily on volunteers to help as well, which I am very thankful for.”

Some of the activities and events the MSLC offered are Busy Bees, Toddler Time, computer basics classes, art classes, STEAM stations, tutoring, ARC group activities, Pre-K activities, cooking classes, sewing classes, senior center events, 4H events, nursing home events, craft events, Housing Authority events, music classes, field trips, homeschool group activities and robotics programs.

“The center being established helped our community heal after tremendous loss. That healing continues in so many ways. I’ve witnessed families come to events at the MSLC that are going through difficulties and experiencing tragedy in their own lives. I feel the center activities and the loving atmosphere it provides gives people an outlet that helps in their own healing process. I pray and will continue to work diligently to ensure that the MSLC continues to flourish and be able to help families in our community for generations to come,” McCrary said.

The MSLC was set up as a 501c3 nonprofit organization. It does not receive any funding from local, state or government agencies. The MSLC has run solely on donations from individuals, businesses and organizations. Anyone interested in donating can mail their donations to Michael Scott Learning Center, 106 W. Main St., Stevenson, AL 35772. Donations can also be accepted via PayPal at michaelscottlc@gmail.com.

For more information about upcoming events and services at the Michael Scott Learning Center, follow The Michael Scott Learning Center on Facebook.